Last updated : November 18, 2024
There is not a CBD drug test yet.
Would having a CBD specific drug test make life easier for employers? In view of this radically new world of marijuana legalization and reform, it might be beneficial.
A growing problem
The legalization of CBD for medical use is the norm now for the majority of the states in our nation. It is available without a prescription and you can purchase it anywhere! Even the corner gas station is likely to have a supply of some sort.
“Some sort” being a phrase you should take note of, however. The caliber of the products found there may leave a bit to be desired. It seems reasonable to think that a medical product (well, other than headache or cough medicines) sold at a gas station or truck stop might be of questionable quality. However, many people do obtain their CBD products from these places.
They not only contain varying percentages of CBD but possibly higher levels of THC, as well.
Popping positive
For that matter, CBD products containing any THC can cause a positive test result. It’s happening in workplaces across the country. Subsequently, it’s a problem for employers.
Some employees that test positive for marijuana insist that they never use marijuana. If this has happened to you, you may have no doubt in your mind that is a true statement. However, if your drug free policy says no marijuana, there is no option but to follow your protocol. Usually, that results in employee termination.
Some employees knew there were “trace” amounts of THC in CBD products. They both come from the cannabis plant after all. It stands to reason that a bit would make its way into the finished product. However, they have no idea that the levels cause a positive drug test result.
How does THC get in the products?
After the body metabolizes THC, it produces a drug metabolite that is stored throughout the body. It stands to reason, that the more often the product is used, the longer the ability to detect THC in your system remains. Currently, according to federal regulations, there must be 50 mg/ml of THC in the body to cause a positive test result.
Manufacturers proclaim there’s only 0.3% THC found in CBD products at the most. Accordingly, it would take more than 1,000 mg of CBD a day before someone would be in danger of popping positive on a positive drug test. They insist this is not going to happen.
Not to mention that there are a few products on the market that proclaim 0% THC.
That’s right! They profess to be 100% THC free!
That’s not the case
The extraction process of CBD from both hemp and marijuana plants is a free-for-all!
States are working on regulation, but at the moment rules for manufacturing and dispensing fall under a wide range.
There are virtually no regulations put in place by the federal or state governments to ascertain that THC levels are kept to a minute amount. Some companies claim to test the finished product before it hits the market, yet have no set standard by with to measure up. This makes every claim on every product questionable.
We questioned.
That’s right. The growing number of positive drug test results due to CBD use made us want to get a little first-hand knowledge of our own.
We conducted an internal test and our employee (who volunteered, of course) purchased a CBD product claiming to be THC free and took a dose. Later that day, she took a urine drug test and had a positive result. Even later that day, she took another drug test. The result was negative.
Regulation is needed
If that was the case with a product that professes to have absolutely no THC in it, what do you think we’d discover with others that tout minuscule amounts?
We think we have an idea of how that would turn out.
Rather than stepping forward and taking a stance on getting the CBD extraction process regulated so that manufacturers must adhere to certain standards, the STATES Act is taking the federal government in the opposite direction. Introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren in June 2018, this bill calls for the federal government to remove the Schedule 1 status from marijuana.
If passed, each state decides and legislates the standards set in place for growing, manufacturing, and distributing CBD and marijuana products. They are also free to do nothing. If that is the case, marijuana and CBD oils remain illegal substances.
It sounds good on the surface for many people.
However, employers will be at the mercy of their state government. This does not bode well for many businesses. Especially, in light of the fact that now the door is open. Employees will find it easier to push their state government to gain further liberties regarding marijuana and the workplace.
Take a stand for safety
It is totally acceptable for an employer to keep marijuana on the company drug testing panel.
Employees impaired due to THC are a job hazard. Marijuana use inhibits both cognitive and motor skills. This not only affects an employee’s productivity. It could make them more susceptible to causing an accident.
If there have been changes in your state regarding CBD and legalization, consider going over your drug free policies. It might even be a good idea to have a professional look them over.
If an employee is using CBD products, they are taking a risk of having a positive marijuana test. The word on that is getting out.
A reminder of the drug free policies your business has in place might be a good idea. Perhaps your workplace would benefit from an employee handout stating the cons of using CBD oils and products in relation to the workplace.
Safety in the workplace is a top priority for employers and their management teams. It is essential that your employees feel confident and safe while on your watch.
Keeping abreast of the changes in CBD and marijuana legalization is acting responsibly in their behalf.