Hemp Seed & Drug Tests
The number of hemp products on the market is growing, but will hemp seed test positive on a drug test? Products like hemp seeds or hemp seed oil generally contain very low levels of THC. However, consumers should still consume them with care and preferably take a break for a few weeks before their test.
Another important factor in passing drug tests is to purchase clearly labeled products from a trustworthy dispensary. Knowing how much THC your product contains will make it a lot easier to consume hemp seeds and other hemp products strategically so that you’re ready to pass a drug test when required.
Will Hemp Seed Shows up on a Drug Test?
It's possible that eating hemp seed could cause a positive drug or anti-doping test. Even though hemp seeds contain minimal THC, a study observed that eating food products containing hemp seed resulted in positive urine specimens.
Another study looked into the cannabinoid content of 23 hemp products and found that 20 of them contained several different cannabinoids. Four of them contained the full spectrum of cannabinoids with measurable levels of THC.
Tip for athletes: Athletes who must submit to routine drug tests should be vigilant about their use of hemp seed, hemp seed protein, or any other products that could contain banned substances close to a competition.
What Is Hemp Seed?
Hemp seeds are the seeds that form on female hemp plants. They represent a versatile and delicious addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids, have a nutty taste, and can be consumed as a snack or as part of a meal. They’re also used to create a wide range of derivatives including hemp seed oil, hemp extracts, and hemp protein powder.
Hemp products like hemp flower are often associated with the cannabis plant. That is because hemp is a botanical class of the Cannabis sativa plant that produces marijuana. However, there are some significant differences between hemp and marijuana.
What Is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
The fundamental difference between a hemp plant and a marijuana plant is the amount of THC each contains. Until the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, hemp seeds were classed as a Controlled Substance. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis and therefore a separate product from marijuana. Cannabis plants that go over the 0.3% THC limit are classed as marijuana.
While marijuana plants typically contain more THC than CBD, hemp plants typically contain more CBD than THC. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal (although it’s banned or restricted in certain states).
Tips to Avoid a Positive Drug Test When Consuming Hemp Seeds
To reduce the chances that the trace amounts of THC contained in hemp could trigger a positive drug test, keep the following tips in mind when consuming hemp seeds:
Familiarize yourself with the THC content of the hemp seeds you consume: Purchasing hemp products from a licensed dispensary means you can choose from clearly labeled products that indicate how much THC each product contains. Choose low-THC or THC-free seeds if you're concerned about drug testing.
Purchase cannabis products from a reputable source: Unregulated products may be falsely labeled or not labeled at all. Proceed with caution if you're unsure how much THC you're consuming.
Understand the drug test you will be required to take: Some drug tests are more sensitive than others. Familiarize yourself with the test you're likely to take to get an indication of how sensitive it might be.
Timing is everything: THC can be detected in the bloodstream for some time after consumption. It might be best to stop consuming hemp products several weeks before the test.
FAQs about Hemp Seeds
The following questions and answers provide additional information about hemp seeds.
Is Hemp Seed Legal?
Yes, hemp seed is legal in the USA. The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for farmers to produce hemp for a range of uses. Initially, the hemp industry experienced a huge boom after the legislation was passed but hemp production has subsequently decreased in the last few years.
Are Hemp-Derived THC Products Legal?
Some types of THC like Delta 8 and Delta 10 can be derived from hemp-source CBD. These products are banned in some states including Washington State. This makes regulations in Seattle different from many other states that allow these derivative products. It's important to check the legal status of hemp in your state before purchasing hemp or hemp-derived products.
Can You Import Hemp Seeds into the United States?
Yes, you can import hemp seeds into the United States legally. However, this has two caveats that importers should understand to stay compliant with any relevant laws.
Since hemp seeds have less than 0.3% THC content, they fall outside of the DEA's remit. The DEA therefore doesn't have the authority to demand an import permit for hemp seeds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the importation of all seeds and plants. If you import hemp seeds, you must be able to produce a phytosanitary certificate that states the seeds' origin and safety.
Be Cautious with Hemp Seeds Before Drug Testing
When faced with drug testing at work or before a competition, the safest course of action is to avoid any products derived from the hemp plant. Though a drug test may not flag consumption of hemp oil or seeds, it's better to be safe than sorry and proceed with due caution.
If you wish to continue your hemp consumption around the time of a drug test, choose properly labeled products that state the exact amount of THC they contain. This will give you more control over your dosage and potential test results.