Can the Use of CBD Oils Jeopardize Your Workers’ Compensation?
Recently CBD has shown up in the health industry news and medical journals. Known as Cannabidiol, CBD has been touted as a natural and safe alternative to treat chronic pain and other health conditions. While millions of people have ordered this product from local health and wellness stores, there is still a lot that needs to be uncovered about the benefits of this substance.
In light of CBD oil’s pervasive use, the question that has been raised is whether using this substance can interfere with or even prevent you from receiving benefits from your workers’ compensation claim.
What is CBD?
CBD is advertised to give relief from pain, anxiety and other health conditions. The oil from CBD comes from the hemp plant. It is often mistaken for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the compound associated with the marijuana plant. CBD and THC do interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have very different effects. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids. So CBD is not in itself a foreign substance to the body. Current research shows that CBD can reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, reduce the effects of epilepsy, and anxiety. Some studies show it may help in inhibiting the decline of cognitive capabilities.
CBD Use and Workers Compensation
Because CBD doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect, the federal government has removed any type of scheduling for this specific substance. In response to this CBD has exploded on the market as an over-the-counter product to address health issues. Employees seeking or already receiving workers’ compensation can expect to not have and issues involving the denial of benefits if they are presently using CBD oil (the non-psychoactive type), which is legal throughout the U.S.
Marijuana and Workers Compensation
After a workplace or construction accident injury and employer may perform (or be required to perform) a drug test on the injured employee that could seek workers’ compensation. This is in part done as a deterrent. This test serves to deter drug use among employees since they know if they are involved in an accident, they will be required to be subjected to a drug test. Individuals receiving workers compensation’ and found to be using marijuana or those seeking such compensation and have tested positive for marijuana may be subject to losing their workers’ comp benefits or not receive them at all.
