CBD and saliva testing: are you really at risk?

What is CBD?

CBD (or cannabidiol) is a compound close to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but has no psychotropic effect. Both are derived from a plant that has been used for hundreds of years in industry and textiles, the hemp plant or Cannabis Sativa L., but the similarity ends there. CBD has a low THC content. It is more commonly used as a dietary supplement to relieve chronic pain, ease anxiety or promote restful sleep. It stimulates the endocannabinoid system, more precisely the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in all the cells of our body. They are found in the central nervous system and in the immune system. In short, it helps maintain the body’s balance in a multitude of physiological functions (body temperature, blood sugar, etc.). CBD is legal in France, but it must contain less than 0.2% THC in order to be sold in the country.

How should CBD be consumed?

Unlike cannabis, CBD is not intended to be smoked. Today, CBD is available in many forms, so everyone can find the best way to take full advantage of it. Oils, capsules, flowers, resins, crystals, sweets, infusions, e-cigarette liquids, etc. There is a long list which offers a choice of products that correspond to each individuals’ needs and expectations. A CBD herbal tea can accompany your evening routine, cannabidiol sweets can be enjoyed in front of a TV show, oils guarantee quick absorption to cope with an anticipated stressful time, etc. It’s up to you to find the CBD that best suits you and to use it in a way that allows you to restore your serenity. 

However, please note that some ways of consuming CBD leave more traces in the saliva than others. CBD flowers for infusions, for example, are more likely to contain high levels of THC. This is important information for those who would like to use CBD while avoiding a potentially positive result from a cannabis test, especially as it is your responsibility to manage your use in relation to your daily activities.

Do CBD and driving go together?

CBD and THC are very similar, because of their common origin: hemp. We have to ask whether driving after taking CBD is a good idea. The most obvious answer is, of course: no. You should plan your CBD use around your travels, and cut-out some forms of cannabidiol to avoid the drawbacks of taking it. CBD is not a psychotropic drug, but it can still cause drowsiness in some people. This is because its main purpose is to help you relax. So it’s not surprising if you feel sleepy after using CBD. It is best to refrain from driving after ingesting CBD, or to avoid using CBD before driving. This will prevent you from endangering yourself and other road users and risking losing your driving licence.

When is saliva testing performed?

Saliva testing is carried out during roadside checks to detect drugs that may have been taken recently. Traces of cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates can be detected. To perform a saliva test, law enforcement officials take a sample of saliva using a device with a tab. A system of colour-coded indicators allows them to verify whether the person being tested is positive or negative. If this test is positive, it is then confirmed by an additional blood or urine test that determines exactly what has been ingested.

CBD is not generally sought in saliva tests as it is legal and readily available within the legal limits. THC, on the other hand, causes an altered state of mind which is incompatible with driving - including decreased alertness and hallucinations. Therefore, its possession and consumption are strictly prohibited.

CBD and saliva testing: are you really at risk?

The disadvantage of a saliva test after ingesting CBD is that the THC level may lead to a positive result. Why is this? There is a concentration that is so high that it exceeds the legal threshold for CBD products, 0.2%. The saliva test does not distinguish between a little THC and a lot of THC, it detects the presence of the drug, even in very small amounts. If you test positive for cannabis, due to a THC content higher than the legal limit, you will face sanctions:

• 6 points off your driving licence;
• a fine of up to €4,500 and 2 years imprisonment;
• vehicle impoundment.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident that results in injury or death, you may face a much higher penalty. The CBD that is ingested is normally free from THC or has a very small quantity. Nevertheless, overuse or taking cannabidiol produced in another country not subject to French law could cost you dearly. Therefore, it is important to be careful when purchasing CBD. Some sellers do not systematically source from France. However, some European countries have different legislation regarding the maximum THC content of CBD products. A sample sourced from abroad and used in France thus exposes you to the sanctions listed above. 

How long do the traces of THC in CBD remain perceptible?

For occasional cannabis smokers, the saliva test detects the drug for a period of 6 to 8 hours. For regular smokers, the test can detect the drug for more than 24 hours after the last dose. With regards to CBD use, and given the low levels supposedly contained in CBD products, the information above seems appropriate. However, let’s remember once again that it all depends on the individual, their use, their sensitivity, and the type of CBD consumed. CBD flowers, if smoked, could have a much higher THC concentration than that allowed under French law. Always make sure that you buy products whose origin and quality have been established. Read the labels carefully and find out more to avoid finding yourself in a compromising situation in which you thought you were acting lawfully. 

How can you minimise this possibility?

It can be difficult to establish legal possession of some CBD products during a police check. Explaining that you are not a drug user when you are carrying CBD flowers or resin which look like their prohibited cousins is quite complicated. Try to keep proof of purchase, a receipt or an online invoice with you to prove your good faith and eliminate any suspicion. If, however, you take a saliva test and it is positive, you should know that you will then have to take a blood test. This will confirm that you are well below the regulatory level of 0.2%, applicable to CBD products. 

Full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate: what does this mean?

When buying CBD products, be sure to ask about full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full spectrum CBD refers to whole-plant extraction (stems, flowers, leaves and seeds). It benefits from the "entourage effect", as it contains various cannabinoids in addition to CBD. Broad spectrum CBD is derived from the same extraction method with the addition of a step to remove THC. This allows you to enjoy CBD without any trace of the drug. Finally, CBD isolate refers to pure extraction, which means that at the end of the process only the CBD remains and all other cannabinoids have been discarded. The CBD crystals obtained are generally used to produce various products (balms, cooking recipes, "home-made" oils, etc.).

0% THC oils or e-liquids: the safe alternatives!

Controlling your consumption by choosing quality CBD which is clearly labelled to detail its origin and THC content is the best way to avoid disappointment. You may also want to look into certified THC-free CBD ranges. Products from these ranges should be used if you are going to drive and you are afraid of testing positive on a saliva test. The CBD Farm sells the Hippocrates range of oils, guaranteed to contain 0% THC. From 5 to 40% CBD, these oils allow you to experience the "entourage effect" of broad spectrum CBD, with no trace of THC. So that you can enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol without risking a positive cannabis test. For experienced vapers, this way of using cannabidiol seems to have proven its worth. Vaping CBD is safe as the e-liquid is THC-free! However, please note that CBD, which acts as a relaxant, can make you drowsy. Always be careful with your consumption!