A commonly asked question is whether or not you can take CBD at work. Most companies or businesses discourage or have banned the use of mind-altering substances on or off the job.
So, Can you take CBD at work? CBD has been known to help calm those with unhealthy mood symptoms that occur when the job gets stressful.
CBD can also assist those prone to manual labor and who experience aches and pains. Our helpful guide will help illustrate what you should be aware of before taking CBD in the workplace.
What Is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is derived from marijuana or hemp. Marijuana and industrial hemp are closely related. Both contain CBD and THC, but hemp contains much less (the legal limit of >0.3% ) THC than marijuana.
Since 2018, hemp is no longer included in the Controlled Substance Act (4). Hemp is federally legal to farm, manufacture, and sell in the United States. However, it is still illegal on a state level in some states. Contradicting federal and state laws may be why some people find it unclear whether CBD use is okay on or off the job site.
Is CBD Intoxicating?
Some confusion about CBD stems from the belief that it could be intoxicating and addictive like marijuana. It is helpful to know CBD alone is non-intoxicating, nor has it been proven to be an addictive substance.
In this 2018 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CBD shows no sign of "abuse nor dependence." A 2015 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that CBD may even help overcome addiction to some substances.
CBD may help users get a good night's rest, improve mood and focus, and support comfort levels. All things that may improve work performance in the workplace.
Can You Get Fired For Using CBD at Work?
To protect yourself and avoid job termination, take precautions before using CBD at work. Here are some steps you can take to prevent violating company policy or facing dismissal.
- Openly communicate with your employer about your CBD usage or interest in using CBD, especially if the product contains THC.
- Determine if your job requires drug testing.
- Obtain a written recommendation from your doctor to use CBD.
- Keep your CBD purchase receipts.
- If your employer approves CBD use, choose a trusted, third-party-tested CBD product to ensure purity, quality, and accurate THC levels.
It is important to ensure you are getting a pure product. Some CBD products are not third-party tested and may claim to be THC-free or contain more THC than they claim. This could cause an accidentally failed drug test. Employers can also educate their employees about this to prevent employees from failing a drug test.
What Is Your Employer's Stance on CBD-Related Products?
Getting high at work can lead to serious consequences, including accidents, loss of focus, reduced abilities, and distorted perception. It can also harm your relationships with colleagues and employers.
Assess the effects of CBD on your performance and be aware of signs of impairment. Any impairment may raise questions with employers and other employees.
Your employer's stance on CBD depends on factors like the work environment. Working from home may have more flexibility, while jobs involving the operation of machinery, vehicles, or childcare demand sobriety. Company policies often enforce drug testing and zero-tolerance rules.
Open communication with your employer is crucial. State laws vary, with some allowing only FDA-certified CBD and others permitting recreational marijuana. Safety and professionalism often outweigh legal concerns for employers.
Will CBD Cause Me To Fail A Drug Test?
Drug tests for THC can detect THC in urine, blood, saliva, and hair. Federally, CBD must have less than 0.3% THC for benefits like relaxation without getting high.
Full-spectrum CBD offers the most benefits but often contains less than 0.3% THC, but not all do; some have more THC. Even small amounts of THC from products like full-spectrum CBD can lead to failed drug tests.
Employers may ban CBD and THC due to the high feelings THC offers. To avoid failing a drug test, choose Broad Spectrum CBD or CBD Isolates with no THC.
External CBD products usually don't trigger drug tests. Apply topicals to relieve joint pain, muscle soreness, or skin issues. Transdermal CBD enters the bloodstream, so avoid versions that contain THC. You can use CBD topicals as needed without concern.
What CBD Products Can You Use and Not Use at Work?
CBD offers a natural solution for stress and common issues like pain, inflammation, and poor sleep. Unlike prescription drugs, it has minimal health risks.
There are three main types of CBD:
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all plant components, including THC (<0.3%), terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids. Offers enhanced benefits through the entourage effect.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: THC-free but retains other natural compounds for therapeutic effects.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD without taste or smell, completely THC-free.
These CBD types come in various forms, including gummies, capsules, tinctures, and smokables. CBD is also found in gum, chocolates, honey, and breath mints.
For workplace use, consider broad-spectrum CBD or CBD Isolate to avoid THC-related risks. Topical CBD options like lotions, patches, salves, creams, and massage oils are ideal for joint and muscle relief without affecting mental faculties.
Can You Use Smokable CBD Products at Work?
Vaping CBD is highly bioavailable and effective but may not be compliant with some company policies, especially if it contains THC, because of the possibility of failing a drug test.
Sum It Up!
Can you take CBD at work? The answer is it depends. After reading, you should know some of the possible risk factors of taking CBD at work and how to avoid them. Hopefully, this blog helped you to make a better-informed decision on how to take CBD at work and what channels you should go through before proceeding.
If taking CBD could negatively impact your job, talk to your employer before taking CBD at work. You will have the most success by doing your best to comply with company policy.
With the many different CBD options that do not contain THC, such as broad-spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate, you can take CBD with peace of mind, knowing it is THC-free and will not cause a failed drug test.
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For educational purposes only.
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.