What to do if you failed your drug test after taking CBD oil

The issue of marijuana use liberalization and testing is as complicated as the drug itself. On the one hand, we now have 33 states that have approved weed for medical and recreational use. This has come as a great relief for the health fraternity and patients who report tons of medical benefits of marijuana. 

On the other hand, we have a staunch federal government, insurance companies, and employers who are yet to decriminalize pot use even for chronic panic relief. 

If you live in a state where weed is legal for medical purposes, you might want to do a THC Detox before taking a drug test to increase your odds of passing. 

It’s also very important to understand what you should do in case if you failed the test- that’s the basis for this article. 

1. Request for a GC-MS test 

If an existing or potential employer is spending money and time to have you tested, especially for cannabis, then there are chances that they care about the results. ‘‘Care’’ in this context means that there are very high chances that you are going to lose your job in case the results are positive.

If an employer extends a job offer contingent on the results of the drug test, the odds are that they are going to withdraw it if you fail the test. 

There’s a saving grace, though. There are a couple of factors that could lead to a false-positive result in a drug test. 

For instance, in a study published in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, 28 out of 30 volunteers who took Efavirenz (an antiretroviral medication that prevents and treats HIV/AIDS) recorded a false positive in a drug test for weed. 

Chemical compounds from baby shampoos from certain brands such as Johnson and Johnson and products such as riboflavin, B2, and hemp seed oil can also cause a false-positive. Also worth keeping in mind is that, if you suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, and or diabetes, then there are chances of getting a false-positive in a weed drug test. 

All these factors form a solid ground for you to take the first step: requesting for a GC-MS test. This subsequent test is usually conducted for candidates who test positive to minimize the chances of a false-positive. 

Now, the GC-MS test is much more accurate than the initial test. That’s to say that if you have the compounds that led to positive results with the first test, the odds are that you’ll fail the GC-MS too.

The chances of talking yourself out of a positive GC-MS test are almost zero. Therefore, as you meet the Medical Review Officer (MRO) to discuss the results, remember to carry the CBD oil product that you’ve been using, plus a written recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider. Keep in mind that doctor recommendations are only given in states that allow medicinal weed. 

Also, don’t forget to carry any other prescription medication, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements that you may be taking. The essence here is to create as many reasons as possible to convince the MRO that there were higher chances of testing positive. 

If the MRO finds a legitimate explanation for the positive results, you may be lucky to have your results changed to negative. 

2. Enquire about the organization’s policy on a failed drug test and any proposed steps 

If the MRO submits your second test results as positive to your employer, then the second step would be to go by your company’s rulebook. 

With the widespread legalization of weed for medical use, some organizations have become more lenient. Some might give you a second chance provided you test clean in future tests. If you hold or are applying for a specialized position with skills that are difficult to fill, you stand a better chance here. 

Unfortunately, some organizations have a zero-tolerance policy. You may lose the job or have your application rejected even after explaining that you take CBD oil products due to a particular medical condition. 

In such a situation, however, it does not hurt to inquire whether you are allowed to apply again later, or you can retake the test in the future. 

3. Know what your state’s law says 

As more states loosen their stance on medical marijuana, a good number of them, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey have put workplace protection measures for weed patients. 

If you reside in a state that offers this kind of protection, then you could consider suing the company that fires or denies you a job based on a failed drug test. 

Speaking of suing, you might want to enquire from your CBD oil supplier about the amount of THC in the products. 

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (famously known as the Farm Bill) only allows 0.3% of THC in CBD products. Unfortunately, some firms’ products have more than this percentage. This could form a legal ground for you to sue such an organization.