DOT and CBD

CBD is a popular chemical found in marijuana. While it doesn't contain THC, the psychoactive chemical in the plant, it is commonly used for relieving the symptoms of many health issues.

Those who are interested in using CBD might have concerns about whether or not this will affect their compliance standing for the Department of Transportation. On May 27, 2021, the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a Clearinghouse Update. The reminder informed regulated commercial motor vehicle drivers that they should exercise caution when considering using CBD products.

FMCSA Reminders for DOT-regulated Employees

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires testing for marijuana and not CBD.
The labeling of many CBD products may be misleading because the products could contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than what’s stated on the product label.
The U.S. DOT’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation, 49 CFR Part 40, does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana positive result. Therefore, Medical Review Officers will verify a drug test confirmed at the appropriate cutoffs as positive, even if an employee claims they only used a CBD product.
Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, U.S. DOT-regulated CDL drivers should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products.

You can read the full DOT CBD notice here.