There have been a lot of changes throughout the nation in the last few years. One such change is societal perspective around the use of certain drugs. At the top of that list is marijuana. Over the last 10 years or so, our views around the use of marijuana have shifted radically. Many states have legalized use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and some have even allowed recreational use in much the same manner as tobacco or alcohol products. But where does that leave the federal government?

Under federal law, marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance. That means, even where laws around marijuana usage have relaxed at the state level, federal law still prohibits its uses in most instances. What does that mean for us as federal employees?

The Forest Service is a federal agency and, as a result, we are subject to any and all federal regulations that are in place. That means that all of us, as federal employees, are required to remain drug-free and refrain from federally prohibited drug use whether on- or off-duty, regardless of state law. As a result of the confusion around these state-by-state changes, there has been a noticeable uptick in cases of employees failing drug tests. Those results have been associated with the legalization of marijuana and have resulted in corrective action, including suspensions and loss of employment.

I value all my co-workers and want to ensure that we all continue to do the work we love in a safe environment. I don’t want to see anyone penalized or even lose their jobs for something that could easily be avoided. Many Forest Service employees already work in risky environments in the service of our communities. We want you to be aware of how this choice could have a negative effect on the rest of your lives. So, I wanted to take this time to refresh everyone on regulations and expectations placed upon us as Forest Service employees.

Additionally, I want to share a word of caution about cannabidiol, commercially known as CBD, for the sake of creating awareness. CBD is sold in many places as a supplement and, as such, it is not regulated for accuracy or consistency. In other words, the concentration or even accuracy of ingredients in a supplement can vary greatly from product to product and vendor to vendor. CBD products can inaccurately be labeled as having no to low levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, while containing high levels. If you end up using one of these inaccurately labeled supplements, your CBD use could lead to a positive drug test.

Finally, if you feel you are struggling with the use of any controlled substance, there is help available for you. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The helpline is available in both English and Spanish.

You can also visit the online treatment locator or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration also offers a variety of online resources to help people who are struggling with addiction.

As federal employees, we have high expectations placed on us by not just the federal government but by the communities we serve. We are always expected and required to conduct ourselves in accordance with federal rules and regulations. Above all, I want to make sure that at the end of the day, no one’s employment is affected or cut short by situations that are within our control. Please remember that no matter the state, as a federal employee, you are always subject to federal law.

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