The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) clarified that using medical marijuana or hemp products does not exempt safety-sensitive transportation employees from drug-testing rules. Federal regulations still treat a verified positive THC test as a violation, regardless of legality at the state level or medical authorization. The notice reinforces that pilots, truck drivers, and other safety-sensitive workers must comply with federal drug standards, underscoring the ongoing conflict between state cannabis laws and federal transportation regulations.
