Last updated : December 16, 2024
Do you have a good understanding of cannabidiol (CBD)? As a business owner or employee supervisor, it is important to understand what CBD is and how it relates to drug testing.
What are CBD & THC and how do they relate to drug testing?
According to the FDA, CBD is a single compound of the Cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. By law, cannabidiol products may contain up to 0.3% THC, but there is currently no FDA oversight of the CBD industry. According to an NBC news investigation, over 600 CBD products tested in Colorado were found to be THC rich with little or no CBD.
Because cannabidiol products are supposed to have less than 0.3% of THC, this shouldn’t cause employees to fail a drug test. However, if someone’s CBD product unknowingly contains a lot of THC, they could fail a drug test. Also, even the smallest amounts of THC can accumulate in the system with repeated use. The publication Science Daily found that at this time, use of CBD products may yield a positive drug test result due to the THC content (drug tests do not test for CBD). An individual using CBD may test negative for THC for a few weeks and then test positive once the THC accumulates.
Do you know all the different forms of cannabidiol?
Some CBD products on the list may surprise you:
- Balms
- Rubs
- Topicals
- Coffee
- Gummies
- Chocolates
- Ice cream
- Protein powders
- Other edibles
- Wax form for vaping
- Capsules
- Tinctures
- Anti-wrinkle creams
- Bath bombs
- Pet products
- More
To learn more about cannabidiol products & drug testing, read this post.
In conclusion, employers, especially DOT, need to ensure they have proper drug testing policies in place to test for THC. And, employees should take CBD products at their own risk if they are subject to workplace drug testing.
If you suspect that your employee is under the influence of marijuana, please call us at 440-653-5003. To setup a drug free workplace policy, we can be contacted via email here.
**Information from NDASA
