Answer

If an employee informs the employer that they are using a CBD product, what is the employers responsibility if that employee is in a safety-sensitive position?

The employer’s responsibility is to explain that there is no exception (under DOT regulations) for the use of any product that presents as THC metabolites and exceeds set thresholds on a DOT drug screen. If it is non-DOT, they should refer to the company policy. If the policy accepts CBD oil, then that should be communicated.

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.

You will need to contact your contract employer for the specific owner’s procedure for obtaining a waiver or exemption.

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.