Stress in the workplace is a common concern when work demands exceed coping ability. With CBD-enriched oil becoming more popular than ever as an anxiety and stress-relieving substance that doesn’t get you high, it begs the question, “Can I take CBD in the workplace?” 

The legality of CBD can be unclear, especially when bringing in external factors such as using CBD at work. Would CBD show up on a workplace drug test? Could the use of CBD oil at work in the UK cause me to lose my job? Let’s explore the topic of CBD in the workplace in more depth.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid compound found in cannabis. It is extracted and often mixed with a carrier oil, and after human ingestion or inhalation, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a wide range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-anxiety effects.

There are several types of CBD products available on the market, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. CBD oil is most commonly taken orally in the form of drops or capsules, and can also be added to food and beverages or applied topically.

Is CBD a Drug? 

No, CBD is not a psychoactive, narcotic drug and will not get you “high.” Cannabidiol is derived from the hemp plant (a cousin of the marijuana plant), but it does not contain any THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Therefore, CBD oil will not lead to intoxication. 

Can You Take CBD at Work UK?

Yes, CBD is a legal substance in the UK and can be taken before or during work, unless your employment policy states otherwise. However, CBD users should take caution. There may be one or two circumstances during which the use of CBD in the workplace can be risky, including the possibility of CBD oil-infused products resulting in a positive workplace drug test.

Does CBD Show Up on Workplace Drug Tests in the UK?

Over the last decade, an increasing number of companies in the United Kingdom have started to demand drug testing of staff. This is most common within industries where the use of drugs could put employees, customers or clients in jeopardy by posing a significant safety hazard.

Drug testing in the workplace is designed to detect the presence of narcotics and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana and is associated with the high that is experienced when using cannabis. CBD oil in the UK may contain very small amounts of THC. To be sold and supplied legally, THC content should be no more than 0.2%. However, the industry is largely unregulated, and some products may contain more than the UK legal THC limit. If you take a workplace drug test after using CBD oil with higher levels of THC, chances are you may fail the test.

Of course, the safest way to avoid any issues when it comes to drug testing in the workplace is to avoid using any cannabis- or hemp-derived products whatsoever. If you want to use CBD during working hours, opt for a product that contains pure isolate CBD. This is the purest form of CBD with a lower risk of triggering a positive drug test since it contains less THC than broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. 

Can CBD Oil Cause You to Lose Your Job?

So, what happens if your CBD oil causes you to fail a workplace drug test? This all depends on your employer’s drug and alcohol policy. They may have a zero-tolerance approach to drug use and you may lose your job. Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK and there can be strict penalties for both supply and possession. 

If you haven’t been drug tested or if you have passed a test, using legal CBD oil in the UK should not cause you to lose your job. However, cannabidiol remains a grey area in the UK and some employers are unclear on the legality of CBD. Other employers are seeking legal advice to change their policies as more and more people use the cannabinoid to relieve anxiety and stress.

Does CBD Help with Work Stress? 

Stress at work is common. It can manifest itself before your working day, accumulate throughout the day or you might feel the effects after you’ve finished work and you struggle to unwind.  Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received 600mg of CBD oil or a placebo before taking a public speaking test. The group that took the CBD had significantly lower levels of anxiety and discomfort during the test than the placebo group. 

Consequently, using CBD may help ease any work-related anxiety and stress symptoms. This could be anxiety relating to a big meeting, a presentation or perhaps you simply feel overwhelmed by your increasing workload. 

In addition to easing stress, CBD can help to clear the mind and enable you to better focus and concentrate on the task at hand. 

The Takeaway 

CBD is legal in the United Kingdom, and in theory, is allowed within the workplace. However, the use of CBD oil in the workplace may carry risks, especially if random drug tests are carried out. Some CBD oils may contain THC which can trigger a positive drug test result. This could have serious implications and risk your employment. Always purchase high-quality CBD products from a reputable provider and if concerned about workplace drug testing, opt for products that contain pure isolate CBD.

Cannabidiol can provide benefits within the workplace such as less work-related anxiety and stress, and improved focus and concentration.

Source: https://www.missionc.com/blogs/news/cbd-oil-at-work-uk