In recent years, CBD has been widely used to treat a variety of ailments. This is due to its many beneficial properties. Because it is completely legal, everyone is using it these days. However, it is important to remember that it isa cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is therefore normal to be subject to police checks from time to time if you have it on you. What do you need to know about saliva tests? If you test positive, what should you do? What are the risks if the result is positive? There are many questions surrounding this topic. If you want the answers, you've come to the right place. This article is written for you.
What is CBD?
CBD is a molecule similar to THC. Unlike THC, it does not produce any psychotropic effects on users. It should be noted that both come from the cannabis plant, which has been used for many years in a variety of fields. However, despite all these similarities, CBD is much more widely used today.
The reason is very simple. It has many sought-after virtues. It is used in the food industry. It has analgesic properties. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is suitable for combating insomnia, stress, and anxiety. In addition, it has the ability to stimulate the human body's endocannabinoid system.
Despite all the benefits it brings to the latter, several studies claim that CBD still has many properties that have yet to be discovered. Today, the production, marketing, and consumption of CBD are fully legalized. As proof, it is common to find stores selling CBD-based products in several large cities.
What are the different ways to consume CBD?
In the past, before enjoying the effects of cannabis, you had to smoke it. That's no longer the case today with CBD. It's available in several forms. This allows it to reach a wide range of people, offering them the opportunity to enjoy its benefits. CBD-based oils, gels, and creams are available on the market. There are also capsules, candies, e-liquids, flowers, resin, infusions, and crystals. These are the most common products, as the list is really long.
It is up to you to do your research and find the best CBD product for your body. However, it is advisable to be careful, because even though CBD is completely legal, some products available on the market leave traces in saliva when consumed. These include flowers, herbal teas, and crystals. The reason for this is that they sometimes contain higher than normal levels of THC.
In fact, in most countries, authorized CBD products must not contain more than 0.3% THC. Therefore, anyone wishing to start using CBD must pay close attention to this parameter. During police checks, you will be held responsible if traces of this prohibited substance are found in your system.
What do you need to know about CBD and driving?
Since CBD is known not to cause psychoactive effects on the body, many people believe that they can drive immediately after consuming it. They are mistaken. When you need to get behind the wheel, ride a motorcycle, or drive through an area where there are police officers, you need to be careful about your CBD consumption. This is why it is recommended that you adjust your consumption according to your habits. In addition, some CBD-based products are not compatible with driving.
You should be aware that once CBD enters the body, it triggers several physiological mechanisms. Among other things, it induces a deep sense of relaxation. It promotes sleep. In some people, it causes drowsiness. It is therefore clear that when driving, all these benefits quickly become detrimental. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended that you do not consume it at all.
When do you undergo a saliva test?
During a police check, if you show signs that lead officers to believe you are under the influence of illegal substances, you may be subjected to a saliva test. This test is used to detect any traces of drugs in your system. During a saliva test, the police officer will ask you for a saliva sample, which you must place on a strip. The strip contains several compounds that react in the presence of one drug or another. Depending on the color obtained, the officer can then use a reference system to suspect that you have consumed illegal substances. Here are the drugs detected by saliva tests.
Cannabis
Cannabis or THC is detected by all saliva tests. These tests are capable of detecting traces of cannabis 6 to 10 hours after consumption. If you consume cannabis regularly, the test is also capable of detecting traces.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, on the other hand, can be detected by saliva tests nearly 60 hours after consumption.
Opiates
They can still be detected by tests 48 hours after consumption.
Cocaine
Cocaine, on the other hand, remains detectable in saliva for 24 to 48 hours after consumption.
What additional tests are performed following a positive saliva test?
If the saliva test is positive, you must undergo another test to confirm the result. These tests will be able to accurately detect the drug consumed.
Urinalysis
Urine tests are suitable for detecting drugs that have been consumed more than two months ago. However, don't worry, they are rarely requested after a routine check. They are considered in the event of a traffic accident or if you are suspected of using hard drugs.
Blood tests
These are the tests that are most commonly requested when the saliva test comes back positive.
Hair testing
They are known for their accuracy and their ability to detect drugs that were consumed a long time ago. Like urine tests, they are also rarely requested.
Is CBD detected in a saliva test?
Many people wonder whether CBD is detected in saliva tests. The answer to this question is simply no. However, it is important not to assume that it is undetectable. The reason why it is not detected is very simple. It is simply not tested for because its consumption is legal. However, you should keep in mind that most saliva tests are capable of detecting THC, as this component is responsible for psychotropic effects that can impair your judgment. It can also make you less alert.
This means that you could be a danger to yourself and, above all, to the rest of the population. A few years ago, if you consumed a CBD-based product with a THC content of more than 0.2%, you would automatically test positive. In some European Union countries, such as the UK, the normal THC level is now 0.3%. It is therefore recommended that you use products with a THC level of 0.3%, as saliva tests cannot distinguish between small and large amounts. This will save you a lot of trouble, as there is no room for tolerance when it comes to road safety.
In addition, police officers are naturally more lenient if they find CBD products on you that clearly show the composition and different levels of the substances they contain. But if you are carrying CBD flowers, even if they are legal, the officer will not be able to tell what they really are. So don't be surprised if you are subjected to more rigorous checks.
How long is CBD detectable in a saliva test?
Several studies have been conducted on this topic. The results show that opinions are very mixed. It is important to note that not all organisms react in the same way to different CBD-based products. Reactions can vary greatly depending on several criteria related to the consumer. These include age, physical constitution, health status, the amount of CBD consumed, and even the level of fatigue.
Taking all these factors into account, it is safe to say that CBD remains detectable in saliva for several days after consumption. In some people, it disappears after two days. In others, however, it takes up to eight days before it disappears completely from the body.
What are the risks of a positive saliva test?
When you test positive in a saliva test, you face various penalties. If you were driving at the time of the test, the first penalty is that you automatically lose 6 points on your driver's license. You will also be fined up to €4,500. You will also be required to attend a road safety awareness course. You will be required to warn other road users about the dangers of drug use.
In some cases, you may be imprisoned for a period of two years. Also, keep in mind that the vehicle you were driving will be automatically confiscated. If, after consuming CBD, you are found responsible for a traffic accident that causes injury to others, the penalties will be much harsher. These penalties are considered by many to be too severe, because when you test positive while driving with a supervisor, your supervisor is also penalized. Half of the points on their license are deducted.
What are the different methods that can be used to get a negative test result?
To avoid any risk of testing positive in a saliva test, there are certain steps you can take.
Provide valid explanations
During police checks, it is often difficult to provide valid explanations that could prove that the substances found on you are legal. You can simply ask the officer to give you the opportunity to explain yourself. Explain that you are not a drug user and that the products you are carrying are legal.
The product used
To avoid saliva tests as much as possible, it is advisable to use products whose THC content is guaranteed by the manufacturer. Therefore, opt for oils, capsules, or creams. In addition, you should also avoid using products such as CBD flowers, pollen, or CBD resin.
Do not drive after consuming CBD products.
Most saliva tests are carried out during roadside checks. To avoid testing positive, space out your CBD intake, especially if you are a fan of flowers.
Have supporting documents
Always carry proof with you that can show officers the origin and, above all, the composition of your product.
