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To avoid testing positive for THC in urine tests, some athletes and industry professionals are turning to broad-spectrum “THC-free” or even CBD oil made with crystals, although this is much less effective than “raw”(raw), full-spectrum CBD oil, which includes undetectable (but present) amounts of THC. These products could also result in a positive urine test. Find out how it works and why full-spectrum is always the best choice:
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil CBD oil is produced from extracts of the industrial hemp plant. However, cannabidiol (CBD) is not the only substance naturally found in hemp. In commonly used, unprocessed “full-spectrum” (Full Spectrum), you’ll also find a large number of other cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes. As the name suggests, the “full” spectrum contains the full range of active compounds naturally present in the plant.
Cannabidiol may be the main active ingredient in full-spectrum cannabis extracts, although all these other cannabinoids and terpenes largely support the effectiveness of CBD in the body. We call this synergy the “cooperative action”, a very important reason behind the success of CBD.
In short, the “synergistic effect” is the result of combining CBD with other cannabinoids (and terpenes) from industrial hemp. Consider for example Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromine (CBC), Cannabinol (CBN) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). And the latter is the subject of our discussion today. Considering that THC is naturally a psychoactive substance, which could cause a “high” or “high” when consumed on its own.
However, in hemp oil, THC is present in such low concentrations (<0.05%) that it simply supports synergistic action. In addition, CBD is known to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. That is, in this ratio, you will not experience unwanted side effects. while the useful substance guarantees the best results with CBD oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil for sports or work?
On the other hand, there are hemp extracts from which all THC is removed after extraction. This is called “broad-spectrum” (broad, not “full” spectrum of available cannabinoids) and is used to produce what’s known as “THC-free broad-spectrum CBD oil.” The idea behind this is that you end up with a more potent synergistic effect compared to CBD oil—made with CBD isolate crystals — but you don’t consume THC, as is the case with full-spectrum CBD, which supports the synergistic effect.
This broad-spectrum CBD oil is becoming very popular in the United States and is increasingly being sold in Europe. This may be due to the huge surplus of cannabis extracts in the US, which are now being ‘dumped’ here. The wide range seems to be particularly popular with fanatics and professional athletes alike. Although people who are subjected to mandatory drug tests at work also seem to prefer Broad Spectrum oil without THC to Full Spectrum CBD products.
It is assumed that undetectable amounts of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil (<0.05%) could result in a positive urine test for THC. Considering that it could in some cases cause the loss of a job or sports career, a positive test is the last thing you want. But is Broad Spectrum the best choice to avoid testing positive for THC when using CBD oil?
THC in urine: Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum
Our experience shows that it is nearly impossible to test positive for THC in a urine test after using an appropriate full-spectrum cannabis oil. Ultimately, the amount of already detectable THC absorbed is so low that even the smallest amount of the product breaks down and becomes even less detectable. Furthermore, the presence of THC enhances the effects of CBD and other cannabinoids in full-spectrum oil. This means you need far fewer cannabinoids to achieve the desired effects.
However, over a wide range, the lack of THC leads to the need for more CBD and other cannabinoids for a similar effect. This is even more true with CBD oil made with crystals, considering the absolute lack of synergistic action. But that’s not the only drawback. Because research shows that CBD can be converted to THC in the stomach!
Isomerization of CBD to THC in the Stomach
The process by which CBD is converted to THC in the stomach is called isomerization. This is a very complex process in which the CBD molecule changes under acidic conditions. In fact, you could compare it a bit to ceviche—where fish is cooked in citric acid—for example. Because, theoretically, CBD and THC molecules are almost identical. They have the same composition and molecular weight—the only difference is that CBD has an open ring and THC has a closed ring. See the image below:
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil However, under acidic conditions (pH <2.5)—such as those created by stomach acid in this case—isomerization occurs. This causes the ring of the cannabidiol (CBD) molecule to close, converting it into THC. In short, CBD is converted into THC in the stomach.
But you don’t need to worry, as not all CBD you consume is converted into a psychoactive cannabinoid. According to research, only a fraction of the total amount of Cannabidiol ingested will be converted into Tetrahydrocannabinol.
This also means that the risk of testing positive for THC when using CBD oil made with crystals, or broad-spectrum hemp oil is greater than when using full-spectrum hemp oil. Given that you need more CBD to achieve the desired effects with these first two products, this means more CBD is available to be converted into THC in the stomach.
Positive THC Test After Using CBD Oil
However, there are cases where consumers report receiving a positive result on a THC test after using CBD. Although our experience shows that this is often due to smoking cannabis, or that the consumer also tried THC-rich cannabis oil instead of legal CBD oil, weeks or even months before the test.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, where they can stay for months. In this way, it can happen that an athlete who smokes cannabis every now and then, between games or tournaments, suddenly stops smoking and starts training for three months for a major competition but tests still positive for THC. As the workout has caused the burning of fatty tissue, releasing any stored THC back into the bloodstream.
If you are sure you have not smoked pot or used cannabis oils rich in THC. It is the responsibility of the police/your employer/anti-doping to prove that the positive THC test is caused by CBD oil. At least in countries where CBD oil is sold and used legally, that is.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
