The Surprising Link Between Herbal Teas and Drug Screens
For many, a cup of herbal tea is a daily ritual for relaxation or a health boost. However, what is less known is that some of these seemingly innocuous beverages can lead to the significant stress of a positive drug test. The active compounds in certain plants, from which these teas are brewed, are either identical to or structurally similar enough to illicit substances that they can trigger a positive result on initial screenings. This happens through a process called cross-reactivity, where a test designed to detect a specific drug molecule mistakenly identifies a different, but similarly shaped, molecule from an herbal product. It is crucial to distinguish between a 'true positive,' where the tea contains the actual drug (like cocaine in coca tea), and a 'false positive,' where the test cross-reacts with a legal substance.
Understanding the Science: Screening vs. Confirmatory Tests
To understand the risk, one must first know the two primary types of drug testing. The first line of defense is typically an immunoassay test, often used for initial workplace or point-of-care screenings. These tests are fast and cost-effective but are more prone to false positives because they look for broad classes of drugs and can be tricked by cross-reactive compounds.
If an initial screen is positive, a second, more definitive test is required. This is called a confirmatory test, most commonly Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS is considered the 'gold standard' in drug testing. It separates a sample into its individual components and identifies each one by its unique molecular fingerprint. This high level of precision allows it to distinguish between the actual drug and a cross-reacting substance, virtually eliminating false positives. If you believe a result is a false positive, requesting a GC-MS confirmation is a critical step.
Primary Teas of Concern: The High-Risk List
While many teas are perfectly safe, a few specific types carry a significant risk of causing a positive drug test. It is essential to be aware of these primary culprits.
Coca Tea: A True Positive for Cocaine
Made from the leaves of the coca plant—the same source as cocaine—coca tea will not cause a false positive; it will cause a true positive for cocaine. The tea contains cocaine alkaloids, which are metabolized by the body into benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite screened for in cocaine drug tests. Studies have shown that even one cup can lead to detectable levels in urine for up to 36 hours, well above the standard cutoffs used in federal testing programs. A cup of coca tea can contain a significant amount of cocaine, with studies finding an average of around 4.2 mg.
Poppy Seed Tea: The Opiate Connection
Poppy seeds are harvested from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. While the seeds themselves have negligible opioid content, they can become contaminated with opium alkaloids like morphine and codeine during the harvesting process. When consumed, especially as a tea made from unwashed seeds, these alkaloids can be potent enough to trigger a positive result on a drug test for opiates. The concentration of opiates can vary widely, but drinking poppy seed tea can result in significantly higher concentrations in urine than eating a poppy seed bagel. Federal workplace drug testing guidelines have raised the opiate cutoff level to 2,000 ng/mL to reduce the number of positives from food ingestion, but a positive result is still possible, especially with tea.
Hemp, CBD, and Cannabis Teas: Risk of THC
With the rise of cannabis-derived products, teas containing hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) have become popular. Legally, hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. However, even these trace amounts can accumulate in the body with regular use and potentially cause a positive THC test result. Products labeled 'full-spectrum' are more likely to contain THC than 'broad-spectrum' or 'isolate' products. Furthermore, the labeling of CBD products is not always accurate, and some may contain more THC than stated. Because of this, even legal hemp or CBD tea can lead to a positive drug test for marijuana.
Teas with Lower or Debated Risks
Some teas are anecdotally linked to false positives, though the scientific evidence is less conclusive.
Kava Tea and Benzodiazepines
Kava is a root used to make a relaxing beverage. There are some anecdotal reports and limited data suggesting that kava could cause a false positive for benzodiazepines due to cross-reactivity on an initial screening test. While the risk is considered low and rare, one study also noted a potential for kava to interfere with amphetamine immunoassays. The active compounds, kavalactones, have sedative effects but are structurally different from benzodiazepines.
Comparison Table: Tea & Drug Test Interactions
| Tea Type | Active Compound(s) | Drug Panel Affected | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca Tea | Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine | Cocaine | High (True Positive) |
| Poppy Seed Tea | Morphine, Codeine | Opiates | High |
| Hemp/CBD Tea | Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | Cannabinoids (Marijuana) | Moderate to High |
| Kava Tea | Kavalactones | Benzodiazepines, Amphetamines | Low/Debated |
Conclusion
The answer to what tea causes positive drug test results is clear for a few key varieties. Coca tea will produce a true positive for cocaine, while poppy seed tea and hemp/CBD tea carry a significant and well-documented risk for triggering positive tests for opiates and THC, respectively. While other teas like kava present a much lower, debated risk, the potential for an initial false positive exists. Ultimately, understanding the two-tiered system of screening and confirmation, and choosing products wisely are the best strategies to navigate the complex intersection of herbal remedies and modern pharmacology.
