Request ID: FOI-0759-2223 Date published: 13 July 2022
You asked
Are TFL employees able to consume CBD products that contain 0% THC and not fall foul of the no drugs or alcohol policy? Specifically the CBD infused drink called 'Trip' sold in supermarkets who independently test their products to confirm 0% THC.
https://drink-trip.com/pages/faqs
If the answer to the above is no, what basis can TFL dictate to their employees what legal non intoxicating substances they consume at home?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0759-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28th June 2022 asking for information about the use of products containing CBD by TfL staff.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Are TFL employees able to consume CBD products that contain 0% THC and not fall foul of the no drugs or alcohol policy? Specifically the CBD infused drink called 'Trip' sold in supermarkets who independently test their products to confirm 0% THC.
If the answer to the above is no, what basis can TFL dictate to their employees what legal non intoxicating substances they consume at home?”
TfL does not dictate to its employees what they consume in non-work time but they do require employees who undertake safety critical work to undergo drug and alcohol testing. Employees who had been using CBD products could test positive during a drug and alcohol test because some products may have levels of THC which would result in a positive test. The use of these products would not provide a valid reason to excuse any positive result. If THC free CBD products are available then the risk to the employee of a positive drug test would be reduced. However all employees undertaking safety critical work must comply with the drug and alcohol policy and inform their manager of any medication or supplements which they are taking in case there are any side effects or the condition which they are taking the product for could impact on their safety at work.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
