Recent studies have shown that even low amounts of D9-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) within a cannabidiol (CBD) product can result in positive 11-nor-9-carboxy-D9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH; a metabolite of THC) urine drug screens. One study reported positive drug screening in 2/6 participants after acute administration of vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis flower (10.5% CBD; 0.39% THC) using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS; which distinguishes between THC-COOH and other cannabinoids/metabolites) at a criterion of greater than or equal to 15 ng/mL THC-COOH. Another study found that 7/14 patients who used a hemp-derived CBD extract (0.02% THC) for 4 weeks yielded positive 50 ng/mL drug screens, 6 of which were...

Abstract Workplace urine drug testing for an inactive THC metabolite is common in both federally regulated and non-regulated drug testing. A positive result does not document impairment, or even recent use, when impairment is likely the most important parameter being searched for by the drug testing procedure. Most cannabinoid testing does not detect imported synthetics. Currently, urine is the most widely tested matrix, but blood, plasma, oral fluid, and hair may also be accepted in federally regulated testing in the future. This article will discuss the history, the status quo, and the possible near term future of workplace testing for marijuana in employees.

A hemp oil product (Hemp Liquid Gold TM) was purchased from a specialty food store. Fifteen milliliters was consumed by seven adult volunteers. Urine samples were taken from the subjects before ingestion and at 8, 24, and 48 h after the dose was taken. All specimens were screened by enzyme immunoassay with SYVA EMIT II THC 20, THC 50, and THC 100 kits. The tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (THCA) concentration was determined on all samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (5). A total of 18 postingestion samples were submitted. Fourteen of the samples screened above the 20-ng cutoff, seven were above the 50-ng cutoff, and...