Why Marijuana is Becoming A Major Factor In the Workplace

Since 2025, the acceptance of marijuana has been a growing trend across the US. It was first legalized in 2012 by Washington and Oregon, and has since expanded its legal status to half of all US states. This includes more densely populated states, like New York and California, which actually means that more than half of US citizens have access to legal marijuana. Furthermore, many more states have eased up on the restrictions surrounding marijuana. States like Texas and Florida provide medicinal access by prescription. Conversely, states like Louisiana and Mississippi don’t have medicinal access, but have decriminalized the drug instead.

Because of this widespread acceptance, the number of employees who use marijuana is also on the rise. 1 in every 10 US employees admit to using cannabis, and half of those users admit to using it at or before work. Of these users, 39% use weekly, 28% occasionally, and 17% once a month. As an employer, cracking down on this is becoming a bit harder too. Namely, restricting usage is compounded by new legislation which prohibits pre-screening for marijuana. It seems that, whether you’re an employee or an on-site employer, marijuana is going to become a bigger and bigger workplace factor.

Source: US Drug Test Centers