AINsight: CBD Still Risky Business for Pilots | Aviation International News

AINsight: CBD Still Risky Business for Pilots

The FAA has further defined its CBD opinion but bottom line is, use may still have consequences to an airmen's certification.

The FAA has further defined its CBD opinion but bottom line is, use may still have consequences to an airman's medical certification. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Felix Brönnimann)

By Robert Sancetta, M.D. • AIN Contributor

October 14, 2022

In multiple prior blogs, I have discussed the risks that pilots take by consuming products that contain CBD (cannabidiol). As you probably already know, CBD products are, for the most part, “legal” (with variations on their acceptance on a state-by-state basis). This substance is manufactured from the cannabis plant (marijuana) with low quantities of the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), made legal per the Farm Bill of 2018.

Not all states have legalized the use of CBD or marijuana itself, but more and more are jumping on the proverbial bandwagon. Other than the very low quantities of THC permitted by the Farm Bill, overall marijuana and THC consumption remain illegal under federal law.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.

AIN Contributor

About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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