CBD On the Job—A Practical Guide to Taking CBD At Work

In just about every professional environment, showing up for work under the influence of drugs and alcohol is expressly forbidden. While federal and state regulations are shifting around the legality of cannabis, and some workplaces are more relaxed when it comes to a quick hit off a vape pen while you’re on the job, it’s still far more common for workplaces to nix the use of cannabis while on the job.

However, the rules against using THC-heavy cannabis do not apply to the use of CBD at the workplace. While THC can sometimes lead to disorientation, brain fog and impaired ability to function when taken in large doses, cannabidiol—the non-intoxicating compound in cannabis that promotes relaxation and pain relief—can actually improve your ability to focus, be creative, solve problems, and function as part of a team.

CBD is best known for its ability to foster full-body relaxation. While larger doses of CBD are often effective for promoting relaxation that helps calm the mind, relieve tension and discomfort, and improve sleep, smaller doses can offer those same benefits without creating drowsiness or disengagement.

For instance, in situations where you might have feel competitive with your colleagues, CBD may help you moderate your emotions, minimize conflict, and productively cooperate with others. If a crisis or a last-minute deadline suddenly rears its head, using CBD can help you stay level so that you manage the stress effectively and deliver your best work. And by helping you relax, whether it be from chronic pain or from unproductive mental chatter, using CBD while on the job can help you focus on tasks, access your creative side, and even overcome the social awkwardness that is commonplace in the office environment.

In addition, while the laws regulating CBD still vary from state to state, there are no restrictions against using it in public or in the workplace. Since many states are still working out the specific strictures around CBD use, it’s advisable not to broadcast your CBD use on the job. However, outside of federal employees and members of the armed service, there is no legal restriction against having CBD in your system when you arrive at work. If an important presentation or a long meeting awaits you, or you simply find yourself in the midst of a particularly stressful day, try taking a moderate dose of your favorite full-spectrum CBD product. As counterintuitive as it may sound, relaxing on the job may be the key to getting more done.