If you're like many people, you probably find your job stressful from time to time. If this is the case, you might wonder if you can use CBD at work for some much-needed stress management.
This question can be tricky to answer since CBD is a relatively new product and its legal status is still unclear in many places. Can you use CBD at all in the workplace? And if so, how much?
In this post, we'll look at CBD, how it might help you at work, and whether or not it's legal to use. By the end, you should have a better idea of whether or not using CBD at work is right for you.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, the other well-known compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This means that it won't make you feel "high" or psychologically altered.
CBD has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain, improving sleep, and more. For this reason, CBD products have become increasingly popular in recent years.
CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. They are also the most researched. CBD is short for cannabidiol, and THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high, while THC is psychoactive. CBD can actually counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
Both target the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, while CBD indirectly affects them. It cannot bind directly to CB1 receptors and get you high.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re using cannabis for medicinal purposes, you might want to use a strain with high CBD and low THC levels. If you’re using cannabis for recreation, you’ll want a strain with more THC. We will talk more about that later.
The legal status of CBD is still somewhat unclear in many places. This is because CBD comes from cannabis plants, which are still illegal in some states. However, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal at the federal level.
The most popular CBD product was originally an oil, but it is also available as an extract, hemp flower cigarette, a vaporized liquid, and a capsule made of oil. However, the FDA only recently announced hearings on CBD's possible legal usage in dietary supplements, foods, and cosmetics.
The Farm Bill of 2018 made it legal to produce and sell CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC in all 50 states, though some states still have their own laws regarding CBD.
Epidiolex, a prescription oil licensed by the Food and Drug Administration to treat two different kinds of epilepsy, is the only CBD medication available today. State regulations on the usage of CBD differ, except for Epidiolex.
Although various illnesses, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety, are being treated with CBD, there is currently no evidence to support the drug's therapeutic effects.
It is safe to say that there is a federal grey area regarding CBD’s usage; the FDA's signal of non-binding guidance makes it even more difficult to know what is and isn't allowed. The non-binding guidance entails that it is illegal to market CBD as food or dietary supplements. So, while some products are available in stores or online, their legal status is unclear.
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control you. If you're struggling to keep up with the demands of your job, it might be time to try CBD. Here are some of the ways CBD can help you manage stress at work:
1. CBD can improve your mood.
If you're struggling to stay positive at work, CBD could be the answer. Cannabidiol has been shown to boost mood and reduce anxiety in studies. Adding CBD to your daily routine can help you feel more relaxed and focused on your work. It boosts the body's anandamide levels, a chemical that regulates mood.
2. CBD can help you focus.
One of the main symptoms of stress is difficulty concentrating. Stress can cause problems at work, as you may struggle to complete tasks or make decisions. CBD has been shown to improve focus and help you easily power through your workday.
3. CBD can boost your energy levels.
We all know how it feels to be stressed out at work. Your head is pounding, your muscles are tense, and you can't seem to focus on anything. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. According to studies, CBD could give you the boost you need to power through your day and keep you active.
4. CBD can reduce pain and inflammation.
Chronic stress or anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like pain and inflammation. CBD can help to reduce both of these conditions by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. When the endocannabinoid system is out of balance, CBD can help to restore it.
5. CBD can improve your sleep.
Chronic stress can lead to insomnia and other sleep disorders, which can further exacerbate the effects of stress. Taking CBD before bed can help you get a better night's sleep, so you're rested and ready to tackle your work the next day.
CBD could be the solution you're looking for if you struggle to manage stress at work. Cannabidiol has been shown to improve mood, focus, energy levels, pain, inflammation, and sleep. This means it can help you feel more relaxed and productive at work.
If you take a drug test, it's likely that, among other things like alcohol, the test will screen for cannabis, amphetamines, and opiates. Any CBD you may have taken won't appear in a urine test since THC is the only substance that is looked for when testing cannabis usage.
Tiny levels of THC may be present depending on where you get your CBD. Small levels of THC will be present if you buy full-spectrum CBD, which is advertised as having better medicinal benefits.
Also, if you smoke a ton of CBD daily or are a heavy user, the THC will definitely show up on a drug test.
But it will also depend on who is administering it.
For example, if you are up for a DOT (Department of Transportation) drug test, "safety-sensitive" employees are subject to random drug testing, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis use. This is explained further in its “CBD Notice”. It says that despite CBD being "not illegal", as a DOT safety-sensitive employee, you should still take caution when taking this product.
Nonetheless, if you are applying for a job that requires regular drug testing, it's best to check with your potential employer beforehand to see if they would mind CBD usage.
So will it show up on a drug test?
The answer is no – CBD will not likely appear on a drug test. However, there is always the possibility that trace amounts of THC could be present depending on where you get your CBD from and how frequently you use cannabis.
1. Read the label
If you are anxious about whether you can or cannot use CBD (cannabidiol) products at work, the best thing you can do is to read the label. Research the products and the company you're purchasing them from. Ask them questions or, better yet, get a toxicology report on the product.
Some products are marketed as CBD but have very high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). If your employer does random drug testing, you could get flagged for using a banned substance, which would not be good.
2. Go to your doctor
Your doctor should be your first port of call when using CBD products. They will be able to tell you if there could be any interactions with other medications you are taking, and they will also be up-to-date on the latest research.
3. Know your state laws
Unfortunately, not all states have legalized CBD yet. This means that if you live in a state where it is not legal, you could get into trouble at work for using it. Before using any CBD products, make sure you check your state’s laws.
4. Talk to your boss
If you are still unsure about whether you can use CBD products at work, the best thing to do is to talk to your boss or HR department. They should be able to tell you if there are any company policies in place that would prohibit the use of CBD products.
5. Be discreet
Even if CBD is legal in your state and your workplace, that doesn’t mean you should go around flaunting it. Be discreet about using it, and don’t use it in front of your boss or co-workers.
Regarding CBD, employers are free to impose rules on drug usage at work. Employers must provide accommodations if a worker prescribes CBD to treat a medical condition.
If there are no or just minimal levels of THC, CBD won't be detected on a drug test. This is why purchasing from trusted lab results providers is so important.
If you use CBD at work, be aware of your rights and responsibilities concerning the law and your employer. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use it responsibly with no issues at all!
