What Is CBD?
One of the active ingredients in marijuana is cannabidiol (CBD), which has been used to treat various conditions ranging from insomnia to persistent pain. About seven percent of American adults have reported that they use some sort of CBD product.
CBD does not give users the “high” they would otherwise get from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical compound responsible for marijuana’s psychotropic effects.
Marijuana Testing
Most test methods for marijuana consumption rely on a process known as gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). In GC-MS, a chemical called trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) is utilized to identify the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol. However, this process cannot distinguish trace amounts of THC from CBD. As a result, if you use a CBD product, you would test positive for THC under most drug tests.
The Risks of False Positives
The false positives stemming from CBD use have led to people getting fired from their jobs, or have threatened their right to have custody over their children, and put people at risk for violating the terms of their parole and putting them back in jail. The mixup between CBD and THC has caused problems even in jurisdictions that loosened up legal restrictions on the use of marijuana.
However, testing labs now recognize this problem and are switching to a more accurate process known as high-performance liquid chromatography. This testing method is more precise and can minimize or eliminate the incidence of false positives for CBD consumers.
Currently, there is no standard test to determine whether someone has consumed enough marijuana to become intoxicated. Unlike the breathalyzer which can help police determine your blood-alcohol content level, marijuana testing methods, tests for marijuana use can only identify the presence of THC in their blood. The testing limitations for marijuana use make it difficult for police to investigate DUI cases.
Get in Touch with a Skilled Attorney at the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher
If you need professional advice regarding a legal issue, such as a personal injury or family law case, you should get call the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher. Attorney Bratcher has years of valuable legal experience handling various matters, from divorces to truck accidents. You can benefit from her compassion and dedication to protecting your legal rights and promoting your interests.
Call us at (270) 783-8311 or visit our website online to arrange for a free consultation today.