The United States has only become more lenient in its drug use legislation in recent years. This increase in leniency can be attributed to the legalization of marijuana in several states for both recreational and medical use. As the use of these substances becomes more tolerated, drug testing laws, especially in the workplace, will need to adapt to keep up. In 2024, over 500 bills related to drug testing were introduced, sparking change around the country to keep employees safe while on the job.
Positive marijuana tests have increased by nearly 50% in the past 5 years. For safety-sensitive industries, experts are concerned that this may lead to more workplace injuries. In fact, there has already been a 10% increase in injuries associated with recreational marijuana use. In order to keep these more vulnerable populations safe, many leaders are starting to test their workforce. Additionally, 10 states and counting are putting anti-cheating and tampering measures into place. These new regulations will not only encourage safe and sober workplaces but will also drastically decrease the chance for foul play during the testing process. Especially for at-risk industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing, these new regulations will be vital in the effort to ensure employee safety while on the job.
Source: USDrugTestCenters.com
