Answer

How may an employer show themselves to have provided a "reasonable accommodation" to employees who have been directed by a physician to use CBD, even though such use may result in a positive drug test?

An employer would follow the “accommodation” guidelines as indicated in their employment policy. The corporate HR group should assess whether or not efforts have been appropriate and should indicate when those efforts have been exhausted. Reasonable accommodations are changes made to accommodate a person’s disability, i.e., allowing someone to sit instead of stand, modifying work schedules, modifying work duties, placing an employee on leave until they complete all medication, etc.

On a hair test and oral fluid panel/test certificates, does CBD fall under cannabinoids?

YES – Currently, CBD is not listed as an independent substance on any testing panel. DISA drug test (urine, hair, saliva) will screen for THC or cannabinoids.

Copies of test results may be obtained through several departments, depending on the results. For positive test results, please contact DISA’s Return-To-Duty department, or contact your MRO. For negative test results, please contact your company’s HR department.

Drug and Alcohol Testing related

What happens if you fail a drug screen?

If one of your employees fails a drug screen and they are in a safety-sensitive position, they must be removed from duty immediately. If the employee is not in a safety-sensitive position, then disciplinary actions can vary based on company policy. Some employers offer Return-to-Duty testing which is given after an employee has violated a company’s drug and alcohol policy and gives the employee an opportunity to get healthy and return to work. Before returning to the company drug testing program, the employee must follow through with the Return-to-Duty process, which can vary by company and industry specifications. Some programs include an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), education and treatment programs, Follow-Up testing, and more. Contact your HR Representative for more information. Employees in a DISA mandated drug and alcohol testing program that are interested in going through DISA's 'return-to-duty' process can visit our Return To Duty (RTD) Drug Testing page.