Persons with federal and state jobs as well as with special security clearances could be putting their jobs at risk if they use CBD products that are not THC-free. Full-spectrum CBD products, and some broad-spectrum products, can contain a small amount of THC (0.3% or less). However, this tiny amount of THC can cause a positive result for THC on a drug test.
This issue came to light as a law enforcement officer purchased what he thought was a THC-free CBD tincture to relieve his back pain, according to NBC Washington. The officer wished to remain anonymous but indicated that the store clerk told him that it was THC-free. Three days after using the tincture, he was pulled for a random drug screening and tested positive for THC.
The officer said, “I’m like, ‘It wasn’t marijuana, guys.’ But I’m caught between a rock and hard place. They can’t prove that I smoked marijuana, and I can’t prove that I didn’t.”
The officer was suspended indefinitely and lost his security clearance. This essentially forced him into retirement.
“It just makes you feel like you’re a bad person, you wasted your career,” he said.
The executive director of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Don Mihalek said, “It is an eye opener for a lot of people.”
This isn’t the only officer to experience this issue. Mihalek says that dozens of officers across the U.S. have had similar issues.
Dr. Michael Kosnett of the University of Colorado says that the issue is the testing itself.
“Unless a person really knows and has confidence in the purity of that particular brand they have, they could have an unfortunate surprise on a urine drug test,” said Dr. Kosnett.
These tips will help to ensure you’re purchasing a THC-free CBD product:
- Research the brand
- View third-party lab test results for the brand
- Have the brand/product tested at an independent lab
- Take a home drug test if there is any concern that the product may contain THC
Some federal agencies, like the Department of Defense, have specifically banned CBD use by employees.