Herbal remedies are often perceived as safe and pure alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. However, many individuals are unaware that their regular use of natural supplements could jeopardize the outcome of a pre-employment or court-ordered drug test. The potential for a false positive result is a genuine concern, stemming from cross-reactivity with testing assays or the presence of undeclared contaminants in unregulated products. This article explores the various reasons why and how herbs can affect drug test results and what you can do to prevent a misinterpretation.
Understanding the Drug Testing Process
Most drug screenings involve a two-step process to detect the presence of illicit substances. The first stage is a rapid immunoassay (IA) screening, which is a quick, inexpensive test designed to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites. The IA test works by using antibodies that bind to specific chemical compounds. While efficient, this method is susceptible to false positives because certain herbal compounds or medications can have similar molecular structures to controlled substances and trigger a positive reading.
If the initial IA screen is positive, the sample is sent for a more advanced and accurate confirmatory test, typically Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS identifies the exact chemical structure of the compounds present and can distinguish between a controlled substance and a cross-reactive herb. A positive GC-MS test is considered definitive. However, the initial screen may still cause significant stress and professional repercussions before the confirmatory test is completed.
Common Herbs and Supplements That Can Affect Drug Tests
CBD (Cannabidiol) and Hemp Products
One of the most common reasons for a false positive is the use of CBD or hemp-based products. While federally legal CBD products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC, research has shown that this trace amount can accumulate in the body over time, especially with frequent or high-dose use. Furthermore, the supplement market is not strictly regulated, meaning some products may be mislabeled and contain higher levels of THC than advertised. Cross-contamination during manufacturing is another risk.
Poppy Seeds and Opiates
The opiate drug morphine and its derivative codeine are naturally produced by the opium poppy plant. Poppy seeds, used in many baked goods and dishes, come from the same plant and can become contaminated with trace amounts of opiate residue during harvesting. Eating a poppy seed bagel or muffin could cause you to test positive for opiates on an IA screen. While the detection window is relatively short (up to 48 hours), the potential for a positive result is real. Federal guidelines for workplace testing have raised the opiate threshold to reduce false positives from poppy seeds, but it is still a risk.
Kratom
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, contains alkaloids like mitragynine. The effects of kratom can be dose-dependent, acting as a stimulant at low doses and having sedative properties at higher doses. While kratom is not a controlled substance at the federal level, some states have banned it. Importantly, kratom does not show up on standard 5, 10, or 12-panel drug tests. However, specialized tests specifically looking for mitragynine and its metabolites can be ordered by employers or agencies.
Other Herbal Culprits
- Echinacea: Some sources suggest this popular immune-boosting herb can lead to false positives for THC or opiates due to cross-reactivity.
- St. John's Wort: Used for mood support, this herb can affect liver enzymes and potentially interfere with the metabolism of other drugs, leading to false positives for substances like THC.
- Kava: Known for its calming properties, kava has been linked to false positives for benzodiazepines.
- Valerian Root: Another common sleep aid, valerian root may cause false positive results for benzodiazepines.
- Goldenseal: Often mentioned as a way to mask drug use, goldenseal can itself lead to misleading test results and is not a reliable method for avoiding detection.
Comparison of Common Herbs and Drug Test Interference
| Herb/Supplement | Potential False Positive | Test Type Vulnerable | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD/Hemp | THC (Cannabinoids) | IA, GC-MS (if high enough THC) | Use THC-free isolate, verify with third-party testing, inform tester |
| Poppy Seeds | Opiates (Morphine/Codeine) | IA, GC-MS (high dose) | Avoid for several days before test, inform tester |
| Kratom | Specialized Alkaloid Test | Specialized Panels only | Not detected on standard tests; confirm panel specifics |
| Echinacea | THC or Opiates | IA | Inform tester; confirmatory GC-MS should clear |
| Kava | Benzodiazepines | IA | Inform tester; confirmatory GC-MS should clear |
| Valerian Root | Benzodiazepines | IA | Inform tester; confirmatory GC-MS should clear |
| St. John's Wort | THC | IA | Inform tester; confirmatory GC-MS should clear |
Factors Influencing Detection
Several factors can impact whether an herb is detected and the accuracy of the result:
- Dosage: Higher doses of any substance, including herbs, increase the concentration of its compounds and metabolites in the body, raising the likelihood of detection.
- Frequency of Use: Chronic, regular use can cause a buildup of compounds in the system, potentially extending the detection window.
- Metabolism and Body Composition: Individual metabolism rates and body weight can affect how quickly substances are processed and eliminated.
- Product Purity: As the herbal supplement industry is not strictly regulated, some products may contain undisclosed ingredients or higher-than-advertised concentrations of active compounds. Sourcing from a reputable brand with third-party testing is crucial.
What to Do If You Take Herbs and Need a Drug Test
If you are taking herbal supplements and are subject to drug testing, there are several precautions you can take to protect yourself from a false positive result:
- Disclose Your Supplement Use: Before the test, provide a complete and honest list of all herbs, supplements, and medications you are taking to the testing facility. This allows for better interpretation of results and can explain any initial positive screens.
- Confirm Product Purity: Use only products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party lab testing results. These results can verify the product's contents and ensure it is free of banned or cross-reactive substances.
- Request Confirmatory Testing: If an initial IA screen comes back positive, immediately request a confirmatory test like GC-MS. This more specific testing method can differentiate between an herbal compound and a controlled substance.
- Be Aware of Potential Contamination: Foods like poppy seeds, or even some energy drinks, can contain compounds that interfere with tests. Being mindful of what you consume in the days leading up to a test can help avoid unnecessary complications.
Conclusion
The simple answer to "Will herbs show up on a drug test?" is that while most common herbs will not trigger a positive result, specific natural products, especially when consumed in large amounts or containing contaminants, can and do interfere with initial drug screening tests. The risk of a false positive is a real concern for individuals relying on herbal remedies who are also subject to drug testing. By understanding the testing process, knowing which herbs pose a risk, and communicating openly with testing facilities, you can minimize the chance of a false positive and ensure accurate test results.
For more information on dietary supplements and safety, visit the National Institutes of Health website.
