“These results have significant policy implications, particularly with respect to the use of traditional workplace drug testing. It is high-time to abandon these discriminatory methods in favor of performance testing and fit-for-duty testing, which employ measures to assess whether someone is currently under the influence, whether it be from marijuana on anything else.”
“We conclude from our meta-analysis that … oral fluid tests should not be considered a valid indicator of [cannabis-induced] impairment.”
More than 150,000 licensed drivers have left the profession in recent years because of these zero-tolerance workplace drug testing policies.
“As laws to overturn prohibition continue to take shape across this nation, legislatures should not forget that other policies must also be revised to keep up with the times. The discrimination against cannabis users in the workplace is one of those policies it is time to update.”
The survey’s authors acknowledged that existing federal testing regulations are contributing to significant numbers of truck drivers leaving the industry while also dissuading new workers from entering it.
Lawmakers have advanced two bills to the desk of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that seek to expand the rights of cannabis consumers.
Those who consume alcohol legally and responsibly while away from their jobs aren’t punished by their employers unless their work performance is adversely impacted. Those who legally consume cannabis should be held to a similar standard.
“Policies that mandate would-be hires to undergo urine screens for past cannabis exposure are invasive, discriminatory, and ineffective. They neither identify workers who may be under the influence, nor do they contribute to a safe work environment.”