DOT Publishes Notice of CBD Products

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently published a Policy and Compliance Notice regarding treatment of cannabidiol (CBD) products, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports. According to the Notice, DOT does not distinguish between the use of CBD products and any other marijuana use by safety-sensitive employees, including drivers transporting hazardous materials, the association explains. Therefore, propane drivers who use CBD products may test positive for marijuana on drug exams.

The 2018 Farm Bill categorized hemp-derived CBD products with up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as not a controlled substance. THC is the psychoactive element of marijuana. However, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the sale and labeling of CBD products, does not require CBD manufacturers to label the amount of THC in the product. Thus, an individual may use a CBD product without knowing the percentage of THC present. The percentage of THC may be sufficient to cause a positive test result on DOT mandatory substance exams.

While some individuals use CBD products to treat medical conditions, DOT regulations do not recognize the use of CBD products as a legitimate medical explanation for a marijuana-positive test result. DOT recommends that safety-sensitive employees consider the possibility of a positive test result before using CBD products.
Please direct any questions to Sarah Reboli, NPGA Deputy Counsel, Regulatory Affairs.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, March 19, 2020. Subscribe to receive all the latest posted and spot prices from all major terminals and refineries around the U.S., featuring a center spread of posted prices that includes hundreds of postings completely updated each week, market analysis, insightful commentary and more.)