Chances are, you’ve probably come across CBD by this point. Even though only 17 states in the U.S. have legalized cannabidiol (aka, CBD), most Americans have either heard of CBD, seen it in advertising, or come across it at a local gas station or their favorite makeup store. A lot of us already incorporate CBD into our daily lives—everything from CBD gummies to CBD lotion to CBD vape oil has been used to treat anxiety, pain, insomnia, and more. Moreover, the FDA recently approved its usage to treat seizures. While more studies on CBD still need to be done, it’s undeniable that it’s becoming the country’s supplement of choice. But some, especially those who may live in a state where CBD is not legalized, worry that CBD could get them in trouble.

Could CBD could show up in a drug test?

If you’re taking a drug test for whatever reason (work, check-up, post-rehab check-in, etc.), you might worry that CBD could show up in your drug test, since most tests screen for cannabis. However, it’s super unlikely that CBD would pop up, since drug tests are looking for THC metabolites, not CBD.

What’s the difference between THC and CBD?

The key is understanding the difference between CBD and THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both natural components found in cannabis. CBD is found in extractions from the hemp plant, while THC the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives cannabis users a high. Unlike with THC, consuming CBD won’t get you high because it’s a nonpsychoactive compound.

With that said, it gets a little more complicated: There are different types of CBD, and some will contain trace amounts of THC.

The difference between CBDs

If you’re consuming full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD, the product cannot legally contain more than .3 percent of THC, according to Healthline.

“Full-spectrum”or “whole plant CBD” just means it has all of the natural compounds it came with. It contains terpenes and other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, THCV, and yes, super small amounts of THC.

There’s broad-spectrum CBD, which is similar to full-spectrum, in that the CBD products will still have compounds found in the cannabis plant (like terpenes), but all of the THC is taken out.

Lastly, there’s CBD isolate, which is pure CBD and sounds exactly like what you think it is: pure cannabidiol which doesn’t have any additional compounds found in the plant, including THC.

Buy okay. Say you consumed CBD which had trace amounts of THC in it. How much THC do you need in your system in order to test positive?

It depends on the type of drug test.

In a urine sample (which is the most common way people are drug tested), there needs to be at least 50 nanograms per milliliter to be detected. If it’s been over 15 days, then it’s unlikely for the test to find THC.

If you take a saliva test, there currently isn’t a set amount of THC you need in your system for it to pop up. With saliva tests, oral fluids can really only detect THC for about 72 hours after using it (unless you’ve consumed a lot of THC for a long period of time).

With a blood test (you’d really only get this done, say, if a police officer pulled you over for a possible DUI), the results show what’s currently in your system. According to Healthline, a THC blood concentration of 1,2, or 5 ng/mL (depending on which state you live in) shows “impairment,” while other states abide by zero-tolerance laws.

Lastly, with a hair sample, you’d need 1 picogram per milligram of THC in order for it to be detected—and THC can stay in your hair for about three months.

With all that said, if you know you have a drug test coming up, it’s best to play it safe. While the chances of CBD making you fail the test are super unlikely, there have been cases in which CBD consumers reportedly failed drug tests.

How can you prevent failing a drug test with CBD?

Do your best to make sure the CBD products you’re using are correctly labeled, and study the ingredients. Since most CBD products aren’t FDA-regulated, this gets tricky. If you want to completely stay away from THC, make sure you don’t purchase full-spectrum CBD. If you’re getting your CBD from a dispensary, you can ask the employees working there about the product. Unfortunately, since CBD isn’t regulated, there’s technically a chance the products you buy could contain more THC than advertised.

If you consume high doses of full-spectrum CBD, then there’s a risk you’ve built up enough THC in your system to fail a drug test. Be aware of the dosage of CBD you’re taking.

Is there a drug test that specifically tests for CBD?

Whoever is having you take the drug test would have to commission it. And since CBD can’t get you high, the likelihood of this happening is pretty low. According to Brenda Gannon, a toxicologist and lab director at Steep Hill Arkansas, specifically testing for CBD would mean “notifying the testing company that the employer would like to test for an additional analyte, paying the testing company an additional charge to cover expenses associated with CBD—such as having to purchase additional standards for detection and [slightly] modifying their existing standard operating procedures to include CBD.”

And according to Barry Sample, the director of science and technology for employer solutions at Quest Diagnostics, the lab (one of the biggest in the U.S.) doesn’t even offer CBD testing.

TLDR; CBD is super unlikely to show up in your drug test. But with anything that’s not regulated closely, you never 100 percent know—and if you’re consuming large amounts of CBD with THC in it, you run a small risk of the THC showing up in a test. If you’re unlucky and don’t pass your drug test due to the CBD you’re consuming, you can always try having a conversation with your employer.

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Hemp-derived CBD has taken over the nation, but not all hemp is created equal.

You could call industrial hemp the unsexy, practical sister of marijuana. Industrial hemp is a strain of Cannabis sativa grown for its fibers and seeds which are used to make textiles, foodstuffs, and building materials. Resourceful and useful? For sure. Medicinally-potent and cannabinoid-rich? Not so much. Hemp’s image is undergoing a radical makeover, though. Meet craft hemp: organically grown in small batches for therapeutic purposes, rich in the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD).

Since changes were made to the Farm Bill in December 2018, hemp has been removed from the list of controlled substances, and is now federally legal in all fifty states. Passionate hemp growers are already nurturing sustainable small-scale hemp plots and crossing genetically diverse hemp strains with the intention of creating enticing new cultivars which are cannabinoid dense. The craft hemp movement could be likened to the craft beer movement, with values oriented towards micro-production, attention to technique, and high-quality products.

“Craft hemp is a new term meant to highlight small-scale production methods, as well as differing plant genetics,” explains Becca Recker, Director of Communications for Frogsong Farm, America’s first B-Corp certified hemp farm & CBD company. “What we grow at Frogsong Farm, and what many other small hemp producers in the U.S. are growing, is really low THC cannabis. These are short, bushy plants which produce big, fragrant, resinous flowers which are simply packed with beneficial cannabinoids.” Currently, craft hemp in the U.S. is being cultivated to create high-quality full-spectrum CBD products, edibles, vapes, tinctures, salves, and topical body rubs.

Industrial hemp, the current source of most CBD products, is a low-resin plant that contains less CBD and terpenes than marijuana. However, with weed still illegal for medicinal or recreational purposes in seventeen states at last count, craft hemp represents a bridge between marijuana which is cannabinoid and terpene-rich, and industrial hemp, which isn’t.

“craft hemp represents a bridge between marijuana which is cannabinoid and terpene-rich, and industrial hemp, which isn’t.”

“Industrial hemp can have trace amounts of CBD, but craft hemp with good genetics can have 10-15% CBD by dry weight, along with cannabinoid and terpene profiles that compare to those of cannabis you’ll find in a dispensary,” says Becca. “You’ll get more CBD per plant, by supporting craft hemp producers. It just makes good sense.” Best of all, craft hemp cultivars contain 0.3% THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) or less, meaning craft hemp is legal throughout the United States.

What’s more, CBD extracted from whole craft hemp plants offers enhanced health benefits: the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically to maximize the therapeutic qualities of one another, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Like all craft or artisanal products, craft hemp growers place an emphasis on the cultivation technique and harvesting method of their hemp flower. Considerations such as minimizing energy and water use, using organic soil amendments and pollinator-friendly native plants to attract insects are key for craft hemp growers.

“We use beyond-organic farming practices. This means that we seek to not only reduce harm but actually maximize benefit with our farming decisions,” says Becca. “We hand-harvest our hemp plants in small batches and cure and store them gently to preserve their plant medicine. We never spray pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.”

Organic craft hemp is better for consumers too. Hemp is a phytoremedial plant which removes contaminants such as heavy metals and chemicals from soil. “Industrial hemp from conventional growers can be contaminated with pesticides and herbicides,” notes Becca. “If the soil quality is poor, this directly affects the hemp’s quality.”

If you care about the provenance and quality of your CBD fix, consider buying direct from a craft hemp farm.

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CBD has become a magic catch-all that may even be a viable alternative to medications like anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, pain medications and more. But now that CBD is added to everything from coffee concoctions to burgers, the question is if the payoff is really worth the premium prices.

Anyone who’s gone searching for CBD oil will find a wide range of pricing. But when it comes to higher quality oils—that is, oils that come from plants that are grown organically and responsibly in the U.S.—prices quickly climb. So how do we decipher between the quality stuff and the snake oil?

Getting What You Pay For

Knowing what to look for in CBD oil is key in getting your money’s worth; concentrations of CBD will vary widely from one product to the next and there’s currently no standardization to help consumers navigate the buying process.  While a highly concentrated form of CBD oil will cost more, it also will be more effective and require a lower dose than one that is watered down.

A quality product will have a concentration between 250mg and 1,000mg per ounce; if it’s less than that, you’re not going to access all of the benefits of CBD. Look for products that list their concentration on the label and also are tested in a third-party accredited laboratory. This testing will document that the product you’re buying is pure, does not have any additional ingredients or additives, and is the potency listed on the label.

Counting the Cost

While top-quality CBD oil is going to cost a little more, research shows that it can help with a number of ailments and may eliminate the need for certain medications in the future.

The medical journal MDLinx reviewed current research on CBD and reported that trials have shown significant applications in treating chronic pain, which also could be useful in curbing opioid addiction. The FDA has even approved an oral solution of CBD to treat epileptic seizures and studies also show it has yielded positive results in treating anxiety disorders and PTSD. Of course, these are preliminary studies; do not take our word for it. Consult with your doctor before changing any medication plan.

When it comes to CBD, bargain shopping may leave you shortchanged and not getting all the benefits you’re looking for. Making sure you’re getting a quality product is the best way to see results from CBD oil—even if it costs a bit more up front.

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The list of CBD-infused products grows longer and longer each day. Tinctures and lotions have been succeeded by the likes of CBD infused dog treats, beard oil, and water.

Yes, even water. Brands like CBD Living and Quantum are combining the health benefits of cannabidiol with the main substance we need to survive: water. CBD water is touted as the latest fountain of youth, but does it really live up to the hype?

What is CBD water?

CBD extraction from hemp or cannabis plants can take many forms, but the process for “water-soluble” tinctures and beverages often utilizes an emulsifier to keep CBD particles from grouping together. These emulsifiers, even when natural, need flavor to cover them up–hence the large presence of CBD juices on the market.

When it comes to getting CBD molecules to play nice with water without losing that H20 flavor (or lack thereof), the same overall process occurs. The CBD is broken down into tiny nanoparticles and then encased in similarly sized water particles. This allegedly makes the CBD more bioavailable (easier for your body to absorb) than if it were in oil, so the low doses should provide the same effects of oils up to 10 times as potent.

Companies use all sorts of methods to break down CBD, from heat to sound waves. Typically, vitamins, enzymes, or terpenes are also added to the water for increased benefits. The water ideally has a 7.4 pH value to match the water in our bodies.

CBD Water by CBD Living – CC BY

What does CBD water do?

Since CBD water incorporates the power of CBD, manufacturers have laid claim to the full spectrum of benefits. In reality, people who regularly drink CBD water mostly note less muscle soreness after workouts, more restful sleep, and a mixed bag when it comes to anxiety.

What brands of CBD water can I trust?

There’s increasing competition in this space, but only a few brands seem to yield fairly consistent results.

CannaNano CBD Water is akin to an alkaline Smart Water with CBD and it comes in a regular and plus potency.

Last but not least, CBD Living Water is the most popular of the bunch and sits at 7.4 pH.

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In December 2018, hemp was federally legalized across the United States. Decades of needless and oppressive policy was finally undone, but unlike the slow and gradual state-by-state rollout of marijuana*, characterized by grueling months-long and sometimes years-long license application processes, unregulated hemp CBD was unleashed into everyday grocery and beauty stores in a matter of weeks.

So what’s the difference? What’s the difference between the CBD I get at a Whole Foods and a dispensary? The two plants are very similar and to make things worse, people often incorrectly use the terms interchangeably. While both plants are considered “cannabis”, there are many differences between hemp and marijuana.

THC and CBD content

Perhaps the biggest distinction between the two plants — and the one that causes the most confusion — is the THC content in the plants. THC is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis. It’s present in higher concentrations in marijuana than in hemp. THC is the component that is highly regulated and still not allowed in many areas. Marijuana plants have a 5% to 30% content of THC while hemp plants have content below 0.3%.

In contrast, hemp plants have much higher concentrations of CBD. This is just one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis plants that have therapeutic effects. Hemp plants are often cultivated for CBD for people who are looking for the medicinal qualities without the psychoactive effects.

Full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate

And perhaps what is the most confusing distinction between the different plants and products, is the difference between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. CBD isolate, as the name might suggest, is the pure, crystalline form of the CBD molecule. Extracting isolate from hemp and marijuana produces the exact same result: a chunk of CBD molecule.

Full-spectrum CBD however, contains all the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes that distinguish different strains and quality of cannabis, as well as producing the much-sought-after and elusive “entourage effect”.

Cultivation

The conditions in which hemp and marijuana grow are drastically different as well. Hemp crops grow outdoors in large fields. The plants thrive in a variety of environments, making them easy to grow all over the world. Their growth cycle is 108 to 120 days.

Marijuana plants are much more finicky when it comes to growing conditions. For this reason, most marijuana plants are grown indoors in a greenhouse or other carefully controlled environment. Temperature, humidity, and light are all factors that must be monitored closely for marijuana to thrive. The female plants are the desired plants. Any male plants are removed from the area to avoid pollination to ensure the THC content remains high.

Why are hemp and marijuana grouped together?

Hemp and marijuana are vastly different in terms of their composition and their usage. Hemp doesn’t have the same effects as marijuana, but it was banned in the United States for decades because of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The law banned several problematic drugs but didn’t differentiate between the different forms of cannabis. Today, it’s generally understood that this was not an accident but in fact the culmination of racist propaganda to sway public opinion against hemp, as it began to threaten the timber industry’s position as our primary source of paper.* As a result, hemp became illegal to cultivate even though it wasn’t used for the same purposes. It also created all of the misconceptions that people have about the plant today.

Times are changing and more people are learning the differences between marijuana and hemp. They’re also embracing all of the benefits of both of these types of cannabis. Take time to explore all of the amazing things that cannabis has to offer.

*As described, the differences between hemp and marijuana are just as political as they are scientific. As culture and policy shift, the distinctions not only become more complicated, but they also reveal the racist and oppressive nature of our language and discourse. It is for this reason that we here at Flowertown do not encourage or condone the use of the term “marijuana” as it’s history and use has been a long-standing tool in the targeting of marginalized communities. However, the differences between these plants are so nuanced that the term is more convenient coining a new term that might further confuse readers.

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Cheech and Chong, Reefer Madness, Jeff Spicoli … none of these pop culture icons scream employee of the month.

For decades, cannabis has been portrayed in film, music, and after-school PSAs as the fast train to slackerdom. But just as not all liquor is alike — nobody ever mistook a shot of Fireball for a glass of  Château Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux — you can’t paint all cannabis with the same cannabinoid brush.

And new research, along with anecdotal evidence, suggests that some cannabis strains can actually increase productivity.

Tell me more…

It all comes down to Cannabis 101 chemistry.

There are two main types: indica and sativa. Generally speaking, indica strains are believed to be more sedating (think: a nice port) while sativas tend to have a more invigorating effect (think: a spicy margarita).

There are also hybrids which fall somewhere in between, depending on their parent strains. So if you pick a strain that provides some energy, it can help production.

Obviously, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique to them, so finding the strain that gives you the best boost will likely require a little experimentation.

To each their own

Then there is the matter of perception; production can mean different things to different people.

To Ford Motor Company, it means how many cars come off the assembly line. To a tech company, it can mean coming up with the next hit video game. The difference between the two companies is the amount of creativity needed.

Creative-based production would seem to especially benefit from a cannabis boost.

In 2012, Psychology Today reported on a study that suggested cannabis increases our ability to connect concepts that are apparently unrelated—another way of saying it helps people think outside the box.

Proponents also say cannabis helps them focus better on the task at hand.

Successful studies in cannabis & careerism

There’s more science to back it up. Marijuana can increase dopamine, the brain’s pleasure and reward chemical. And research has found a link between increased dopamine and increased motivation and productivity.

There is also some intriguing tangential anecdotal evidence. BD Analytics conducted a survey that compared income, professional achievements, and overall happiness between participants who used cannabis and those that didn’t.

The results showed that the average income for marijuana users in California was $93,800 compared to $75,900 for those who reject it completely.

And percentage of respondents who held a master’s degree was higher among users.

Lastly, 64 percent of cannabis users were happy with their jobs, while only 54 percent of abstainers were. It has long been known that happy workers are more productive workers, something companies like Microsoft, Google, and Disney have used to bolster their innovation and bottom line.

So next time you’re looking to spend Saturday cleaning the house, or when your to-do list starts to feel a little long, rather than jack yourself up on caffeine, consider cannabis instead. Take a look at how you can micrdose with a vape pen to ensure that your productivity stays high and your mind stays clear.

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