Hemp protein has become increasingly popular as a plant-based protein alternative and is now rivaling the likes of soy and peas.
However, one concern that some people may have is – can hemp protein cause a positive drug test?
Well, worry not, because, in this article, we’ll explore if hemp protein can cause a positive drug test, its legality, and everything else that might interest you.
Can Hemp Protein Cause You to Fail a Drug Test?
No, hemp protein can’t cause you to fail a drug test – in most situations. In theory, there is a minute chance that you could fail, but it doesn’t really work that way in practice.
Let us explain.
The hemp protein is derived from the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis plant which contains a psychoactive cannabinoid called THC that could make you fail a drug test.
While the hemp plant does contain trace amounts of THC, its levels are significantly lower (less than 0.3%) than those found in recreational-use cannabis and are therefore not high enough to cause a failed drug test.
In other words, consuming hemp protein is very, very, VERY unlikely to result in a positive drug test for THC.
The trace amounts of THC in hemp protein are not enough to trigger a positive result on standard drug tests, and even if the test turns out positive, it is virtually impossible that would happen twice in a row, so you could technically call the first one a false positive.
Now, one could argue that if you are consuming extremely large amounts of hemp protein, there may be a slightly bigger risk of failing a drug test.
But even then, you’d have to take an absurd amount of hemp protein and you would still pass almost every single time.
Is it Legal to Use Hemp Protein?
Hemp protein and other hemp products are legal in most countries, including the United States, where the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of hemp and its derivatives, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
However, it’s always a good idea to check rules and regulations in your specific country or region to ensure that hemp protein is legal for consumption.
Some areas of the world still consider owning hemp products a criminal offense, so it would be wise to double-check if you’re outside of the US, because if the protein is not legal – a drug test will be the least of your worries.
Can Any Types of Hemp Products Cause Positive Drug Tests?
While hemp protein is extremely unlikely to cause a positive drug test, other hemp products containing higher levels of THC may pose a risk.
For example, some CBD (cannabidiol) products derived from hemp could contain higher levels of THC, depending on the extraction process used and the application they’re designed for.
So, if you are concerned about passing a drug test, it’s essential to choose hemp products with verified sub 0.3% THC content and avoid others.
Or, if you know your test is coming – maybe just lay off the hemp entirely and cover all bases.
What are the Benefits of Using Hemp Protein?
Hemp protein offers several health benefits, including:
- High-quality plant-based protein: Hemp protein is a (nearly) complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own, which is especially useful for vegans and vegetarians that stay away from bovine-sourced proteins like whey.
- Rich in fiber: While it definitely shouldn’t be the only source of dietary fiber – hemp protein will definitely help you out because it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. [1]
- Heart-healthy fats: Hemp protein contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation – especially in athletes. [2]
Other than that, you’d get the usual protein-powder benefits, like improved muscle growth, faster recovery, enhanced ability to gain weight, etc.
What Makes Hemp Protein Different from Other Types of Protein Powder?
First of all, hemp protein is a plant-based protein powder, making it a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.
But also, unlike many other plant-based protein powders, hemp protein is a nearly complete protein (not technically, but it’s really close), offering a more comprehensive amino acid profile for those looking to support muscle growth and recovery in a proper way.
Now, to be fair, not even hemp is comparable to whey protein powder, but considering it contains all nine essential amino acids, it will still do a very good job.
Finally, hemp protein powder isn’t as smooth and delicate as the rest of the protein powders, and it does have a fairly noticeable earthy taste, which may be off-putting to some.
Is it Safe to Use Hemp Protein Powder?
Hemp protein powder is generally safe for most people to consume.
However, it’s essential to choose a high-quality hemp protein powder from a reputable brand. This way, you’ll be able to take a look at the actual EAA profile, ensure that the product is free of contaminants, and take a good look at the THC content or lack thereof.
Additionally, if you have any allergies or sensitivities to hemp or its components, you should avoid using hemp protein powder as it could cause some digestive issues such as bloating or constipation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hemp protein is a nutritious and very useful plant-based protein that is extremely unlikely to cause a positive drug test.
Now, does that mean that hemp protein should be your go-to plant-based protein?
Well, that’s a story for another time.
You can check out our guide to hemp protein if you’d like a more thorough breakdown of how it performs. You can also check out our article on hemp vs. whey protein to see how it performs against the most popular protein powder in the industry.
