The growing popularity of CBD products raises concerns for individuals subject to drug testing, particularly those working in industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If you’ve been wondering, “Does CBD show on DOT drug screen?” you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll examine the likelihood of CBD appearing on DOT drug tests and discuss the regulations surrounding CBD use for DOT-regulated employees.

Understanding DOT Drug Screenings

DOT drug screenings are mandatory for safety-sensitive employees in the transportation industry, such as truck drivers, pilots, and railroad workers (1). These tests are designed to detect the presence of specific substances, including marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). Importantly, these screenings do not explicitly test for CBD, as it is a non-psychoactive compound and not considered a substance of abuse (2).

The Legality of CBD and Drug Testing

While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC on a federal level, the DOT still maintains strict regulations on marijuana and THC usage (3). According to DOT guidelines, the use of any THC-containing products, including CBD products with trace amounts of THC, is prohibited for safety-sensitive employees (4).

The Challenge: CBD Products and THC Content

Although CBD itself should not show up on a DOT drug screen, the concern lies with potential trace amounts of THC in certain CBD products. Since the manufacturing processes and regulations surrounding CBD products can vary, it is crucial to choose reputable, high-quality, and third-party tested products to minimize the risk of THC contamination.

False Positives and CBD

Although unlikely, there have been instances of individuals testing positive for THC after using CBD products (5). A false positive may occur if a CBD product contains more THC than advertised or if the individual consumes unusually high doses of CBD. However, such cases are rare, and using trustworthy CBD products can significantly reduce this risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CBD itself is unlikely to show up on a DOT drug screen. However, employees subject to DOT drug testing should exercise caution when using CBD products, as trace amounts of THC may lead to a positive test result. To mitigate this risk, opt for high-quality, third-party tested CBD products with verified THC content, and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your routine.

References

1. Department of Transportation (DOT). (2020). Drug and Alcohol Testing. [https://www.transportation.gov/odapc]
2. Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804. [https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790152]
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2018). 2018 Farm Bill. [https://www.usda.gov/farmbill]
4. U.S. Department of Transportation. (2019). DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance Notice. [https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/notice-regarding-2018-farm-bill-and-dot-drug-testing-regulations]
5. Bonn-Miller, M. O., Loflin, M. J. E., Thomas, B. F., Marcu, J. P., Hyke, T., & Vandrey, R. (2017). Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.