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CBD and Drug Testing in the Trucking Industry: What Drivers Need to Know
If you're a truck driver who uses CBD, you may be wondering if it could cause you to fail a drug test. In short, the answer is yes. Despite being legal at a federal level, CBD can contain trace amounts of THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. THC is what drug tests screen for, and having even small amounts in your system can result in a failed drug test. Here's what you need to know about CBD and drug testing in the trucking industry.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive, meaning it won't get you “high.” Instead, CBD is believed to have medicinal properties, including pain relief, reducing anxiety and depression, and easing nausea.
What is drug testing and why is it done?
Drug testing is the process of screening a person's urine, blood, hair, or saliva for the presence of drugs or metabolites. The trucking industry is required to drug test drivers under federal law to ensure the safety of the public and prevent accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Can CBD cause you to fail a drug test?
Yes, it's possible. Most drug tests screen for THC, even though it's just one of the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant. If the CBD product you're using contains THC, even in trace amounts, it can show up on a drug test and cause you to fail.
How can you avoid failing a drug test if you use CBD?
If you rely on CBD for medical reasons or other benefits, there are ways to minimize the risk of failing a drug test. Here are a few tips:
- Use a reputable brand that provides third-party lab tests to confirm the product's ingredients and THC content.
- Avoid full-spectrum CBD products, which can contain more than 0.3% THC. Instead, opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products that have had the THC removed.
- Take a break from using CBD products a few weeks before a drug test to allow any THC to leave your system.
What are the consequences of failing a drug test as a truck driver?
The consequences of failing a drug test as a truck driver can be severe. You may lose your commercial driver's license, which means you can't legally drive a commercial vehicle. You may also lose your job and have difficulty finding another job in the industry. Additionally, you may be required to complete a substance abuse program before being allowed to drive again.
FAQs
Can you use CBD oil and still drive a commercial vehicle?
Yes, you can use CBD oil and still drive a commercial vehicle. However, you need to make sure the product you're using is THC-free or contains only trace amounts of THC. If the product contains more than 0.3% THC, it can cause you to fail a drug test.
What CBD products are safe to use if you're a truck driver?
CBD products that are safe to use if you're a truck driver include those that are THC-free or contain only trace amounts of THC. Look for products that have been tested by a third-party lab to verify their ingredients and THC content.
Can you be fired for using CBD?
Technically, no. CBD is legal at a federal level, and trucking companies cannot discriminate against employees for using legal substances. However, if you fail a drug test because of THC found in your CBD product, you can be fired.
What should you do if you’re using CBD and need to take a drug test?
If you're using CBD and need to take a drug test, talk to your employer or HR representative. Let them know that you're using CBD and provide them with the product's third-party lab test results to show that it's THC-free. You may also consider taking a break from using CBD products a few weeks before the drug test to allow any THC to leave your system.
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