They’re the latest wellness craze that promises to reduce anxiety, improve general wellbeing and induce a more restful night’s sleep. CBD products like the oil that you can add to your favourite beverage or gummies and even body creams are seemingly everywhere.
And they seem like the perfect product for flight attendants who are frequently battling the effects of jetlag, loneliness and other day-to-day stressors that can be hard to cope with when you’re also dealing with a roster from hell.
But could taking an innocent looking CBD gummy see you falling foul of tough substance abuse policies?
What is CBD and how is it meant to help?
On the face of it, taking CBD products, or cannabidiol should be absolutely fine. Cannabidiol is one of over 100 compounds found in Cannabis and it works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system which can affect your mood, immune system, sleep cycle and metabolism.
But taking CBD products won’t make you high because they have the THC (the psychoactive substance found in Cannabis) removed… at least, that’s what should happen.
Why do flight attendants need to be careful?
The Department of Transport (DOT) warns, however, that some CBD products may in fact contain higher levels of THC than they claim. In a new circular, the DOT explains that there’s currently no federal oversight to ensure the label on a CBD product is actually correct.
In some cases, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found higher levels of THC than labelled and that could result in a drug test failure. The DOT points out that using CBD would not be an acceptable excuse for a failed drug test, which could clearly result in serious ramifications.
If you’re going to take CBD, do your research…
That’s not to say flight attendants can’t benefit from CBD products but a little bit more research is going to be needed before taking the plunge. Direct to consumer CBD brand Highline Wellness, for example, promises its products are 100 per cent THC free, offering up independent lab testing results to back up its claim.
“Our hemp-derived oils are legal in all 50 states and follow the strict guidelines as set forth under the 2018 United States Farm Bill,” Highline Wellness explains, going onto say that all products are tested to “ensure they contain zero THC content.”
“… so you will always get the best health benefits without ever worrying about failing a drug test.”
Its range of gummies includes a special night mix that includes melatonin to help you calm down, fall asleep and importantly… stay asleep. There’s also a day time version with B12 and provide energy, clarity and a sense of wellbeing.
If you’d prefer a more traditional method of taking CBD then there’s a range of oils, as well as a body cream and lip balm.
The good news then is that flight attendants, pilots and other safety-sensitive employees don’t have to be barred from enjoying the apparent benefits of taking CBD. Just do your research first.
More information on the independent lab tests conducted by Highline Wellness can be found here.
