As drug legislation continues to become more lenient across the United States, employment drug testing laws have also changed. Each state has a different drug testing policy, and only five states currently have legislation in place that deems the practice as legal. Additionally, over 500 bills were introduced in the past year related to drug testing.
The legalization of marijuana in several states for both recreational and medical use has set these policies into motion in recent years. Following the legalization of marijuana, positive marijuana tests have increased by over 45%. This number is an indication of a potentially serious problem for those working in safety-sensitive industries. In fact, there has been a 10% increase in workplace injuries in these industries which experts have associated with recreational marijuana use laws.
In order to lower this risk and ensure that the workplace remains a safe place for all, many states and leaders are employing drug testing mandates and anti-cheating measures. States like Texas, North Dakota, Virginia, and South Carolina already have anti-tampering policies in place, preventing workers from evading proper drug testing protocol. Additionally, industries like energy, transportation, and construction are beginning to test their workforce at a higher frequency, preparing their employees for the reality of the future of drug legislation in the United States.
Source: USDrugTestCenters.com
