One in 7 American adults uses CBD products. In a poll conducted by Gallup, 50% of the users said they use them for pain relief, 20% for anxiety, and 11% for insomnia. The question is, can you work for a company which employs you to drive while taking CBD oils and CBD supplement products? If you suffer with one of the conditions mentioned you could be affected by a range of side effects which in turn affect you at your place of work. Research studies show that terpenes have the potential to offer relief to CBD customers in a number of ways however more study is needed.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the major chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant family is made up of the hemp and marijuana plants. Hemp, which CBD is extracted from to make CBD oils, is a safe and non-toxic plant thanks to the large amount of CBD in it. This is in contrast to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is highly psychoactive and toxic in high amounts. This means CBD oils and CBD products can’t get you high.
The chemical is extracted from the plant and is available in different forms such as oils and creams. Food supplements can also be infused with a dose of CBD for its benefits. Truck driving is associated with insomnia-related issues, soreness, pains, and aches. With its numerous potential health benefits, it’s only natural to wonder, can truck drivers use CBD oil?
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a system in the body that helps it achieve a balance or homeostasis between all systems such as respiratory, reproductive, nervous, lymphatic, muscular, and others.
Research has linked the ESC to metabolism, stress response, and sleep, liver function, motor control, immune response, to name a few.
The Endocannabinoid system has three main components.
- Receptors
- Endocannabinoids
- Enzymes
Endocannabinoids are naturally present in the body even if you don’t use CBD doses. They bind onto the receptors present throughout the body and send signals in this way to the ECS. These signals have a variety of effects on the body and mind in order to balance things out.
The two primary receptors are:
- CB1 receptors: These are present in abundance in the central nervous system. They help regulate pain sensations, inflammation, memory, appetite, learning, motor function, behaviour, and metabolism.
- CB2 receptors: They are present outside the nervous system and mainly in the immune cells. They help regulate peripheral nerve function, gastrointestinal function, bone health, and immune system.
Scientifically, cannabinoids in cannabis plants are almost like those in the body. Unlike THC, which binds onto the CB1 receptors, CBD stimulates the Endocannabinoid receptors to signal the body to produce its own cannabinoids.
Who Can Take CBD Oil?
Men, women, and children can use CBD oil and food supplements for their potential health benefits. Consequently, CBD has become widely accepted in many countries across the world.
The wellness market has a wide variety of CBD oil brands for consumers to choose from. Each product must have a label showing the amount of CBD and other ingredients where the user can see the batch number and analysis results, as required by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDAC).
However, some manufacturers may not disclose the complete ingredients, while others may mislabel their products. Ensure you get CBD oil from reputable sources as otherwise this will leave you at risk of purchasing low quality CBD products.
Additionally, you should consult your doctor first before taking CBD for medical treatment.
Can CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes. THC occurs in trace amounts that can vary depending on a variety of factors. Also, the CBD oil may be contaminated with THC when processing or consumers can be mislead with ingredients labels.
Legally, hemp-derived CBD oil is required to have not more than 0.3% THC. While this amount cannot get you high, it can make you fail a drug test. Drug testing that is routine for some people, men or women, can be a challenge when using CBD products and CBD oils.
The CBD market is unregulated, which makes it challenging to know what the products contain. As a result, you may get a positive drug test depending on the product’s composition, quality, and handling.
Can Truck Drivers Use CBD Oil?
You might be wondering, can truck drivers use CBD oil for pain?
Yes, they can. Since CBD does not have intoxicating properties, truck drivers can use it whenever they want. Apart from aches and soreness associated with long driving hours, truckers often suffer from sleep disorders. CBD oil can help combat insomnia and other related issues like difficulty focusing and issues with concentration while driving long hours on the open road.
If you are taking a drug test, ensure you mention you’ve used CBD oil before the test if trace amounts of THC show up. Additionally, state laws differ. For instance, CBD laws in Wisconsin are unclear, while other states like Texas and Virginia allow CBD products for medical use with up to 0.5% THC.
Make sure you abide by the CBD laws of the states you’ll be trucking through.
Can Truck Drivers Use CBD Cream for Pain?
Yes. As long as the THC level is not more than 0.3%, truck drivers can use CBD cream to relieve pain for most states. Hemp cream works to directly target the area of the body that you feel the pain.
According to a study by Hammell and colleagues, CBD applied to the skin was shown to reduce joint swelling, inflammation, and arthritis-related pain.
What Other Professions Should Be Careful If Taking CBD Oil?
Because CBD is not non-toxic it is safe to consume and lends to its immense popularity as a food supplement. However, most CBD products, including CBD oil, may have higher THC levels than what’s labeled.
Therefore, people working in safety-sensitive areas should take caution in taking CBD oil and other CBD products.
These professions include, but are not limited to:
- School bus drivers
- Machine operators
- Train engineers
- Pilots
- Ship captains
- Airplane maintenance personnel
How Do I Take CBD Oil?
In Tinctures
- Fill a dropper with your desired CBD dosage.
- Squeeze the dropper under the tongue to release the oil.
- Hold for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then swallow.
In a Smoothie
You can add CBD oil to your smoothie. However, this might take some time before you feel any effect, as the ingested oil has to pass through the digestive tract.
In Capsules
CBD oil also comes in the form of a capsule. With this method, you are assured of an equal dosage every time you use them. Just swallow the capsule.
Where Do I Buy CBD Oil?
If you are looking to buy CBD oil locally, check out the dispensaries and hemp shops nearby. Pharmacies also stock CBD oil, although they have less expertise and usually have low-strength oils.
Alternatively, buy from online CBD stores and manufacturers’ outlets.
What Other Forms of CBD Supplements Are Available?
CBD supplements come in various forms, including:
- Topicals such as lotions, balms, ointments, and creams
- Capsules and pills
- Gummies and edibles
- Mist sprays
- Vapes
CBD Oil Will Not Impair Driving
Can truck drivers use CBD oil? Yes, they can. Pure CBD oil doesn’t cause any mental impairment; thus, truck drivers can use it safely.
However, since the industry is not regulated, most products might contain higher THC levels. You can fail a drug test when you consume such a product. Ensure the CBD oil you buy is high quality and from a reputable manufacturer.