Can I Take CBD Before Work?

What is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol, which is a natural oil obtained from the cannabis plant. Studies have found it to be a highly effective treatment for many medical issues, including anxiety, pain management, and even cancer. Due to its association with cannabis (or recreational marijuana), it still earns its fair share of controversy. However, just because both substances come from the same plant, do not be fooled into thinking they have identical effects.

Some people may be concerned about CBD affecting their work performance and so avoid taking it until their workday is done. Being able to focus and remain alert is important in most professions, and people abhor the thought of being “high” in their workplace. But if you have sourced quality CBD, you need not fear this. Can I take CBD before work? Let’s discuss.

Is CBD like marijuana?

Marijuana has been used recreationally and medicinally for thousands of years. People have been using it to achieve a “high” and treat their medical complaints since ancient times. And despite it still being illegal in many places throughout the world, it remains immensely popular and used regularly for the same things as it was millennia ago.

Now most people are aware of the general effect marijuana has on the human body. Drowsiness, dizziness, euphoria, and sometimes paranoia and anxiety or depression, are commonly seen. Some studies have also shown that regular, long-term use can lead to even more serious mental health complaints. And if the drug is smoked, it can result in damage to the lungs, throat, and airways.

But CBD is not like marijuana. Firstly, it is not smoked. So you need not be concerned about smelling like marijuana and can have no fear about any damage to your respiratory tract. Second, if CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant correctly, it will not produce the psychoactive effects, or “high,” typically associated with marijuana use. CBD oil contains little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in marijuana that causes the drowsiness, dizziness, and other effects, including the famous “high” sensation.

Given most people obviously do not want to be “high” whilst trying to do their jobs, CBD is a viable option for before work and all day use, given it does not produce this “high” effect, or the other concerning effects of marijuana use.

What are the side effects?

There have been many studies on potential risks and side effects of CBD. And the news is good. Not only is CBD oil safe to take in large quantities, daily, without risk of overdose, but it also has little to no side effects. Anecdotal evidence has also supported the findings of formal research. Some scientists have even gone so far as to conclude that it is not possible to overdose on CBD.

Some studies have found CBD can result in a calming effect, if taken correctly. This may be a valuable tool in reducing workplace stress and anxiety and might make it the ideal substance to consume before work. You should note however, that the calming effects from CBD are far milder than marijuana. 

What about drug testing?

This is a very valid question given most workplaces expect their employees to submit to random drug tests on occasion. But if you have obtained quality THC from a reputable source, you need not fear about testing positive for cannabis from using CBD. To understand why, it helps to know how drug tests work.

Drug tests seek to detect metabolites of drugs, not the drugs themselves. Metabolites are certain active ingredients within the substance that remain within the body even after the drug has long since broken down. For marijuana drug tests, the metabolite the test looks for is THC. So, because quality CBD does not contain THC, the test will not find any THC metabolites, so will return a clean result.

However, if you are using a lower quality CBD oil, you should be aware that the THC levels may be much higher. And possibly high enough to produce a positive drug test. Always make sure you source your CBD oil from a reliable, trustworthy source.