Are CBD Products An Issue For CMV Drivers?
Will Prescribed Marijuana Or CBD Affect My CDL?
For physical exam determinations, the use of CBD products is not considered to be “Use” of Marijuana or an illegal substance. Generally speaking, a driver using CBD products can be certified to drive. The use of CBD oils and creams is not disqualifying. However, the use of marijuana, prescribed or otherwise is always disqualifying.
CBD Products Are Generally Safe, But Caution Should Be Used
There is a chance that the use of a CBD product will cause a positive result for marijuana on a DOT drug test. It is up to the driver if they want to take the risk but they should be warned.
Can CBD Show Up As THC In A Drug Test?
CBD does not contain THC, the active ingredient in Marijuana, so it shouldn’t show up as THC in a drug test. The problem is that CBD manufacturers do not guarantee that there is no THC in their products. Therefore, it is possible for a user of CBD to get a positive drug test result if the CBD product they use has THC in it from the manufacturing process. This would be more likely when the driver ingests the CBD product. It is far less likely if they use it topically.
A Positive DOT Drug Test for Marijuana Due to CBD Use Can Disqualify You From Receiving Your CDL Medical Card
If a DOT drug test results positive for marijuana, the driver would be disqualified to drive and required to be evaluated by a DOT Accredited Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and successfully complete a recovery program (if deemed necessary by the SAP) before being medically qualified to drive.
The Best Way To Handle CBD Use Regarding DOT Physicals
If a driver indicates they use CBD products on their medical history, the medical examiner should caution the driver about the risk of coming up positive on a drug test. The medical examiner may want to conduct a Non-DOT drug test. If the result comes back negative, the CBD product they are using at the time does not likely contain THC and they would be “safe” to drive. Drivers should know that although the test was negative, there is no guarantee a future batch or another CBD manufacturer might cause a different result.
Work with a TeamCME Medical Examiner to provide a Driver Helpful® CDL Physical. They will help guide you through the process of keeping and obtaining your CDL medical card in the safest way possible.
