The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice concerning the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) products by safety-sensitive employees regulated by DOT’s drug and alcohol testing regulations.
In this notice, the DOT clarifies that the use of CBD products is not a legitimate medical explanation for a safety-sensitive employee who tests positive for marijuana in a DOT drug test. The reason for this is that the legalization of hemp-derived products under the 2018 Farm Bill does not alter DOT’s drug testing regulations.
It’s important to note that while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not certify levels of THC in CBD products, the DOT’s drug testing program will continue to test for THC. Some CBD products may contain enough THC to result in a positive DOT drug test.
Safety-sensitive employees should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products, as they are responsible for ensuring they are not under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, while performing safety-sensitive tasks.
This information was last updated in February 2020. For the most current information, please refer to the DOT official website or consult with a healthcare professional or legal advisor.