With so many jobs that fall under the federal sector and CBD on the rise as a popular pain medication and anti-inflammatory agent, questions about CBD and drug tests go hand-in-hand for millions of people working under government bodies across the globe.
Currently, there is only one approved CBD product on the consumer marketplace; however, it requires a prescription from a certified doctor or practitioner. The only FDA-approved CBD product available by prescription is Epidiolex, a medication used to help patients suffering from Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
To learn more about the legality of CBD oil for federal employees, especially in the United States, keep reading this article and discover the truth.
What Are Federal Employees?
Federal employees are a diverse group of people working under government bodies. Currently, there are more than 120 federal departments and over two million jobs in the civil and public service heads in the US alone. Federal employment also extends to the U.S. Postal Service, US airlines, and so much more.
Most federal employees who qualify for these positions receive robust government benefit packages that include:
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health insurance
- Life insurance policies
- Employee assistance programs
- Daycare and childcare services
- Retirement and 40l-K plans
- And more
Federal jobs are generally classified into three categories: excepted service, competitive service, and senior executive service. Cabinet members, ambassadors, politicians, and other groups are all classified as federal employment jobs. Even FBI and Federal Marshals are both government jobs, upheld by the US Constitution.
Is CBD Legal for Federal Employees?
Since CBD is extracted from either the hemp or cannabis L-Sativa plants, the use of cannabis and its compounds, including CBD, is not legal for federal employees to consume as edibles, apply as topicals, or inhale as CBD smokable flower products.
Further, although it’s illegal for federal employees to use CBD oils and products, civilians still need to be careful about the THC content. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a good way to ensure your CBD is less than .03 percent THC and avoids a positive drug test for THC.
Can CBD Get a Federal Employee Fired?
The answer, in short, is yes. CBD gained ground in 2018 when the Farm Bill was introduced into legislation and passed. It states that hemp-derived products are legal and are controlled by licensed growers and state regulators. CBD cannot be added to dietary supplements or food and sold as a legal product.
As stated above, Epiololex is the only CBD product supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many gray areas when it comes to CBD and the laws are constantly changing, so it’s always best to know the truth before you try CBD for pain or other health-related symptoms.
Can CBD Get a Federal Worker Fired?
According to the Drug-Free Workplace Act, some federal grantees and contractors must submit to a pre-employment drug test before being hired as a federal worker. Then, such grants and contracts will be awarded by the government. For example, a painter working on a military base would fall into this category.
While there are several components for a drug-free workplace, it’s safe to say that federal jobs are rigorous on CBD and THC products and can get a federal worker fired. Outside organizations and contractors should stop using THC and CBD at least 30-days before submitting to a federal drug test for temporary or seasonal work.
Can CBD Affect Your Security Clearance?
Yes. The federal government views a positive drug test as a positive drug test. Therefore, holding any type of security clearance with a positive drug test typically results in the clearance being denied or pulled.
The FDA warns that there is only one CBD extract product approved as mentioned twice before, so CBD can affect a security clearance. It’s also important to note, cannabis is still considered illegal, and positive drug tests may have serious consequences if used by federal employees with security clearances.
Can CBD Products Cause a False Positive Drug Test?
It is improbable that CBD could cause a false positive drug test. However, the CBD/THC ratio is a good indicator of such risks. This information is found on the COA contained on every package of CBD.
If it’s less than three percent, there’s a good chance that CBD will not show up on a THC test; however, knowing it is illegal on a federal level makes the choice an easy one for most people working under federal guidelines or restrictions.
Where to Buy Legal CBD Oil?
There are plenty of available sources online and in-store purchases where CBD oil can be legally purchased. For online purchases, it is vital to research the CBD merchant and verify they are a legitimate business with a return policy and customer service department.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great place to sort out bad versus good CBD oil companies. You can also read customer reviews and testimonies on sites like Reddit. For in-store purchases, it’s best to go to a licensed marijuana dispensary and avoid the street corner smoke shops to get the best CBD oil with less than 3% THC.