Transport Workers: DOT Regulations

Transport workers in safety‑sensitive roles face unique risks when it comes to CBD. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces strict drug and alcohol testing rules; even though CBD itself is not a controlled substance, a positive test for THC can jeopardize your certification and employment.

This page explains DOT’s stance on CBD, where drug-test risk comes from, and practical steps to lower that risk if you choose to use THC‑free products. It is written for commercial drivers, pilots, mariners, railroad, transit, and pipeline workers, as well as employer program administrators.

Key point up front: DOT does not test for CBD, but it does test for marijuana/THC. DOT has stated that CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a THC‑positive test. If you work under DOT rules, assume zero tolerance for THC in your system.

DOT basics: What is actually tested

Substances: DOT panels include marijuana (THC). CBD is not a target analyte.
Cutoffs (urine): Federal drug tests typically screen at 50 ng/mL and confirm at 15 ng/mL for the THC metabolite (THC‑COOH). A confirmed positive above cutoff is a violation.
Specimen types: Urine is the long‑standing standard. DOT has authorized oral fluid testing, but implementation depends on HHS‑certified labs; many employers still use urine. Hair testing is not currently approved under DOT rules.
MRO review: A Medical Review Officer verifies positives. CBD use (even with receipts/COAs) is not accepted to overturn a THC positive.

THC‑free in practice: COA and LOQ

“THC‑free” should be backed by a third‑party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Look for:

Non‑detect THC with a clearly stated LOQ (limit of quantitation). Lower LOQ means better sensitivity. Many conservative buyers look for ND at LOQ ≤ 0.01% (100 ppm) or an equivalently low mg/g value. Units vary; read the fine print.
Batch/lot‑specific COAs from ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited labs.
Product type clarity: CBD isolate products generally carry the lowest THC risk. Broad‑spectrum may still contain trace THC. Avoid full‑spectrum if you are DOT‑regulated.

Important: “0% THC” on a label is not enough. Only the COA tells you what the lab could detect and at what threshold. Even with best practices, no over‑the‑counter product can guarantee zero risk under DOT testing.

CBD and DOT drug tests: Risk scenarios

Pre‑employment: A THC‑positive can halt hiring. If you recently used any product with potential THC, consider timing and abstinence.
Random testing: Unexpected tests increase risk exposure from daily supplements.
Post‑accident and reasonable suspicion: Scrutiny is higher; documentation does not excuse THC positives.
Cross‑contamination and mislabeled goods: These are common reasons for unexpected positives. Stick to brands with rigorous, transparent testing and tight THC limits.
Delta‑8/other THC isomers: Avoid. These can produce THC‑metabolite positives similar to delta‑9.

Practical compliance checklist

Confirm your employer’s policy and collective bargaining rules about CBD and THC.
If you choose to use CBD, prefer THC‑free isolate products with ND THC on a recent, batch‑specific COA and a low LOQ.
Avoid full‑spectrum and any product advertising “trace THC.” Be cautious with broad‑spectrum claims.
Verify third‑party lab accreditation and match COA batch numbers to your product.
Keep copies of COAs and purchase records, but remember: They will not overturn a THC‑positive under DOT.
When in doubt—or during testing windows—consider abstaining to eliminate risk.

What DOT says about CBD

DOT tests for marijuana/THC, not CBD.
CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory‑confirmed THC positive.
State marijuana laws do not change federal DOT requirements.

Audience links

For broader guidance on who may consider THC‑free products, see Who THC‑Free CBD Is For (https://thc-free-cbd-hub.example.com/who-thc-free-cbd-is-for). If your questions relate to other groups, please visit: Caregiver Guide for Seniors (/caregiver-guide-for-seniors), Athletes: WADA Compliance (/athletes-wada-compliance), Healthcare Professionals Guide (/healthcare-professionals-guide), Men’s Health (/mens-health), and Children (Medical Context) (/children-medical-context).

FAQ

Can I use CBD and still pass a DOT drug test?

DOT does not test for CBD, but many products contain or are contaminated with THC. If THC metabolites exceed federal cutoffs, you can test positive. The only zero‑risk option is to avoid use.

Are topical CBD products safe for DOT workers?

Topicals are less likely to lead to systemic THC detection, but contamination and product variability exist. DOT will not accept CBD use as an excuse for a THC‑positive, regardless of format.

What should I look for on a COA?

Batch‑specific testing, ISO 17025 lab, explicit THC results listed as “ND” with a low LOQ, and matching product identifiers. Avoid products without recent, transparent COAs.

Does DOT allow hemp‑derived delta‑8 THC?

No. DOT rules prohibit THC impairment. Delta‑8 and similar isomers can trigger a THC‑metabolite positive.

If I test positive because of CBD, will documentation help?

You should share information with the MRO, but DOT guidance says CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a THC‑positive result.

Disclaimer

This information is educational and not legal, medical, or employment advice. Policies can change; always consult your employer, your Designated Employer Representative (DER), and official DOT/ODAPC guidance.

Summary

DOT does not test for CBD, but any detectable THC can put your job at risk. If you choose to use CBD, stick to verified THC‑free products backed by robust COAs with low LOQs, avoid any product with potential THC, and recognize that abstinence is the only way to eliminate risk under DOT testing.

Ready to explore rigorously tested THC‑free options? Shop THC‑free products at https://www.cannagea.com/thc-free