According to a study by EHS Daily Advisor, there has been a 33% increase in positive drug tests on employees.
According to the president of Employco USA, Rob Wilson, the increase in usage of marijuana by employees is seen in industries across the board.
“Most importantly, test results showed that there was a double-digit jump of marijuana use in transportation and warehouse fields, which could be very problematic as operating heavy machinery while under the influence of marijuana could be very dangerous indeed,” said Wilson.
“Your ability to monitor drug use among your employees is going to depend on whether or not you are a unionized or private workplace,” explains Wilson. “While you have the right to expect and require sobriety from workers on the job, it can become a bit tricky when you suspect drug use and want to act on your fears.”
Ten states now allow marijuana recreationally and thirty three states allow it medically.
“While it is against the law to discriminate against someone simply because they have a medical marijuana card, as this could be seen as discrimination against someone with a disability, you can still require sobriety among your employees and treat marijuana the same way you would alcohol or prescription drugs like Vicodin,” says Wilson. “Whether an employee is driving heavy machinery or approving loans, you need your workers to be clear-headed and capable of performing at a high level.”
