How Vulnerable Workers are Suffering from Lenient Drug Testing Laws

Drug use legislation in the United States is handled on the state level, with each state enforcing a varying level of tolerance for the practice. To adapt to these changes, drug testing, specifically employee drug testing laws have also changed. In 2024, hundreds of new bills were introduced regarding drug testing, aiming to change the regulation surrounding drug testing in the US to protect our most vulnerable workers.

As of 2024, 22 US states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana and 38 states have legalized it medically. Because of this, over the past 5 years, positive marijuana tests have increased by 45.2%. Experts warn that this could have serious implications for workers in dangerous work environments, such as those that work with heavy machinery or in more labor-intensive fields. There has already been an increase in workplace injuries reported to be associated with recreational marijuana laws, driving forward the movement towards workplace testing and anti-cheating policies.

States like Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia are some of the ten US states that are already implementing anti-tampering policies. These regulations will discourage foul play during the testing process through the use of adulterant tests and dilution detection technology. Impacted industries are also already testing their workforce, ensuring a safe and sober work environment for those at the highest risk.

Drug Testing  Laws in Every State
Source: USDrugTestCenters.com