Having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) opens the door for a variety of lucrative career options. Having a medical marijuana card (MMJ card) provides access to medical cannabis in over half the states in the U.S. But what about the two combined? Can you have a CDL with an MMJ card and vice versa? The truth is that yes, you can, but that may not work out in the way you think. Read on to learn more.
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You Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card If You Have a CDL
A doctor cannot refuse to prescribe you medical marijuana because you have a commercial driver’s license. In fact, that may not even come up during your appointment. If you have a medically relevant reason for getting an MMJ card and it is legal in your state, you can get the card without giving up your CDL.
You Can Get a CDL with a Medical Marijuana Card, BUT…
If you have a medical marijuana card, you can still apply for your CDL. However, marijuana is not legal on a federal level yet. The Drug Enforcement Administration labels marijuana as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and other substances. If you have a Schedule I substance in your system, you will fail a DOT drug test, regardless of your prescription status.
This means that you will not pass your CDL test if the urine analysis detects THC. You will not be denied a CDL for having an MMJ card, rather you will be denied for failing a drug test.
Can I Use CBD as a CDL Driver?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products have become widely popular for anxiety treatment, pain relief, inflammatory treatment, and more. They are legal to purchase and readily available throughout the country. CBD is not well-regulated at this time. Products that claim to have >0.3% THC may actually have a higher concentration. If you use CBD in any form, you could still be consuming some form of THC.
Because of the lack of regulations for CBD products, you can fail a drug test for CBD products. The THC will register regardless of its source. If you want to use CBD as a CDL driver, you need to proceed with caution. There is a good chance you will fail a drug test and be removed from safety sensitive duties.
Will I Lose My CDL for a Failed Drug Test?
You will not lose your commercial driver’s license for a failed drug test. However, you will be removed from safety-sensitive job duties until you complete your Return-to-Duty process. You will not be able to use your CDL until you have successfully completed the program and your SAP releases you for work. Your employer can decide to reinstate you or terminate your employment. If you have failed a DOT drug test, American Substance Abuse Professionals has substance abuse professionals (SAPs) available to assist you. Our SAPs have an 85% success rate at getting drivers just like you back to work after a failed drug test. We have DOT-qualified SAPs throughout the country, and our services are highly recommended.