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? In short, yes, you can use CBD at work, and a legal CBD-infused product shouldn't show up on workplace drug test or risk your job. Furthermore, there are steps you can take to minimise any issues at work, enabling you to enjoy a stress-free workday using your favourite CBD oil. 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.
Why Take CBD for Work?
CBD has been shown to have many benefits that could enhance the working day (or night!). The cannabis-derivative can:
- Reduce work-related stress
- Ease anxiety surrounding important meetings or presentations
- Clear the mind and improve focus and concentration
- Help you sleep better so that you feel refreshed and prepared for the day ahead
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. An increasing number of users are enjoying the anxiety- and stress-relieving benefits of cannabidiol during their working day. However, CBD users may wish to take steps to ensure that any potential issues involving their employer are minimised. There may be one or two circumstances during which the use of CBD in the workplace can be risky, including the possibility of illegal CBD oil-infused products resulting in a positive workplace drug test.
Does CBD Show Up on Workplace Drug Tests in the UK?
Some companies in the United Kingdom have started to demand drug testing of staff in recent times. Workplace drug testing is still relatively rare, but can occur in 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), not CBD. 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%; this would not trigger a positive test. If you take a workplace drug test after using CBD oil with higher levels of THC than legally permitted, chances are you may fail the test.
This doesn't mean you should stop using your favourite CBD oil altogether during the working week, however. Check your product is supplied by a reputable brand that can verify the purity of the product (this should be available in the form of independent third-party laboratory reports). For extra assurance, 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?
In the unlikely event that your CBD oil results in a positive workplace drug test, your employer's drug and alcohol policy will determine whether or not you will keep your job.
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. As more and more people use the cannabinoid to relieve anxiety and stress and as CBD continues to shed its stigma in the UK, many employers are looking to update their work policies to reflect this.
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 therefore permitted within the workplace. The cannabinoid is gaining popularity as a wellness aid for many employees during the working day, thanks to its benefits surrounding reduced anxiety and stress, and improved focus and concentration. Users should be cautious when purchasing CBD oil, ensuring it is from a reputable supplier and the product is legal (contains less than 0.2% THC) to minimise the risk of potential issues at work.
