A call to end workplace drug testing for cannabis
Despite widespread legalization, every single month more than 20,000 Americans still search for ‘how to pass a drug test’, proof that this struggle is still real for many workers. Though it might have once been a standard of employment for many companies, advocates and consumers are calling for a change that could make millions of cannabis users more employable overnight.
Normalizing drug testing for work
In 1988 at the height of reefer madness campaigns, Ronald Regan signed an executive order that resulted in the creation of legislation that required contractors and federal employees to face drug testing. Since then, thousands of businesses and companies have adopted similar rules, many of which have not changed a bit since the introduction of legalization.
Legalization
In the United States, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. However, 13 states have decriminalized its use, and another 18 have legalized possession, growing, and personal use, leaving very few with opposing restrictions. Canada, America’s neighbour, has completely legalized cannabis, a place that, for many residents, is only a short car ride away. You would think that this shift in public perception might have an influence on the prevalence of workplace drug testing, but only some industries have adjusted to reflect such progressive views.
Inconsistency is problematic
In some states, it’s quite unusual to be required to pass drug tests for cannabis, while in others, everybody from pizza delivery drivers to waitresses has experienced this request, and the inconsistencies don’t stop there. Most construction workers don’t have to submit to regular testing, nor do driver license administrators, while it’s not uncommon for delivery drivers, warehouse workers, and social services workers to be targeted. Obviously, the seriousness of an individual's position has little to no meaning in determining whether or not this should be a requirement, and that’s concerning.
Worker shortages continue
The Great Resignation is upon us, as the pandemic has driven workers to leave their places of employment in droves, leaving many companies and businesses scrambling to find help. It’s gotten so bad that some have begun to offer more generous compensation packages, including but not limited to higher wages, benefits, sign-on bonuses, and dedication rewards after so many months of service, costing a fortune to attract new talent. Fast-food chains and other minimum wage sectors like warehouses are the most impacted here, and it’s a problem that’s not getting better anytime soon.
Amazon is one of the many greats out there struggling to keep the cogs in the machine moving while maintaining a consistent stream of profit, and they’re also one of the most notorious for subjecting employees to drug testing for cannabis. Companies like these are pulling out all the stops to get bums in seats while ignoring a glaring problem, which is that consumers are more than willing to work if only they’re given the opportunity to do so. Amazon and many other industry players could solve a lot of this problem by simply removing this outdated barrier.
There is no logical reason not to
There is no safer way to relax and unwind than by smoking weed or chomping down on a few edibles, and in states with legal cannabis, there is no logical reason to keep employees from indulging in this luxury. It’s safer than alcohol, with far fewer side effects, and as long as workers aren’t getting high on the job, there’s no reason to assume that weekend seshes should have any adverse impact on a person's ability to get the job done.
