Alpha Drug Testing Services, LLC

06/10/2026

If you are following the regulation changes related to the rescheduling of ma*****na products from Schedule I to Schedule III, here is a Q&A from DOT:

§§ 40.137, 40.141, 40.151 05/26
QUESTION:
Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued an order (Order) that reclassified FDA approved drug products derived from ma*****na and ma*****na products regulated by a State medical ma*****na license from Schedule I to Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). When reviewing a laboratory reported ma*****na positive drug test result, can a Medical Review
Officer (MRO) deem the test a “negative” if the employee alleges the positive resulted from consuming a State licensed ma*****na product?

ANSWER:
• No. Currently, there is no instance when the MRO could verify a laboratory-confirmed ma*****na positive drug test result as “negative” when an employee claims the positive was caused by a State licensed ma*****na product.
• Even after rescheduling, State-dispensed ma*****na does not constitute an FDA-approved drug. Without FDA approval for a controlled substance, it cannot be prescribed.
• A “legitimate medical explanation” requires use of a legally prescribed controlled substance in compliance with Federal laws governing such a prescription. 49 CFR §§ 40.137(a); 40.141(b).
• Although the MRO may be presented with documentation such as State-issued medical ma*****na cards, physician recommendations or certifications, or dispensary records or receipts, these documents do not satisfy part 40 requirements for a “legitimate medical explanation.”
• Ma*****na use under State ma*****na programs or other non-prescription sources do not qualify as a “legitimate medical explanation” under 49 CFR § 40.137(a). In addition, ma*****na use is not compatible with safety-sensitive functions

06/08/2026

DEA warns the public about an emerging threat posed by nitazenes and bromazolam in illicit drugs entering the U.S.

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids similar to fentanyl but can match or surpass the potency of fentanyl. Bromazolam is most commonly used as an active ingredient in counterfeit Xanax tablets. It is frequently bought from foreign websites for use in counterfeit pills.

06/05/2026

One of the most common questions non-DOT employers struggle with is : "How long should employees refrain from cannabis use before performing safety-sensitive work?" It's a reasonable question with a complex answer.

Scientific evidence confirms cannabis can impair attention, judgement, reaction time, motor coordination, and complex decision-making. For some individuals, these effects resolve within several hours, depending on the route of administration.

For others- especially those with daily or chronic cannabis use, those using high-potency products, or individuals with early onset of use - residual impairment may persist well beyond 12 hours, into the next day or longer. Some studies show residual effect resolving days to weeks after abstinence.

Real-world patterns of cannabis use (including concentrates, distillates, dabs, and products with extremely high THC levels) often are not reflected in clinical studies, making the true duration of impairment uncertain for many workers.

06/04/2026

NDASA joins a news conference with Rep. Andy Harris. May 21, 2026

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

A small but mighty group of congressional representatives, medical professionals, leaders in the drug and alcohol testing industry, policy experts, and individuals personally impacted by ma*****na impairment in public transportation gathered to urge lawmakers to adopt a critical safety carve-out that would preserve ma*****na testing requirements for safety-sensitive transportation employees.

Thank you to Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., Heidi Morrison — a survivor of the 1987 train collision that claimed 14 lives and ultimately led to mandatory drug testing for safety-sensitive transportation employees after investigators discovered the engineer had been using cannabis — as well as Smart Approaches to Ma*****na and NDASA members for standing with us in support of this critical cause.

NATIONAL DRUG & ALCOHOL SCREENING ASSOCIATION

05/29/2026

In recent years, the use of ma*****na, to***co, and va**ng products has seen significant increase. While the general health risks associated with these substances are well-documented, their specific impacts on

05/27/2026

DOT COMPANIES AND DRIVERS: Even if you use State-dispensed ma*****na, that does not constitute an FDA-approved drug. Without FDA approval for a controlled substance, it cannot be prescribed. Although the Medical Review Officer may be presented with documentation such as State-issued medical ma*****na cards, physician recommendations or certifications, or dispensary records or receipts, these documents to do not satisfy 49 CFR part 40 requirements for a "legitimate medical explanation". Hence, your positive drug test cannot be overturned.

05/20/2026

Accidents can happen on any job. Let's talk about post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Call (706) 487-2021 and speak with a Drug Test Consultant at Alpha Drug Testing Services in Blairsville, GA for same-day testing.

05/20/2026

In Observance of Memorial Day, Alpha Drug Testing will be closed Monday May 25th.

We will resume regular hours on Tuesday May 26th.

Have a safe holiday weekend!