CDC warns of the risks of stoned driving and offers cannabis guidelines in the workplace

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises companies on developing marijuana guidelines, reports Marijuana Moment.

The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency focused on studying the safety and health of workers, released a report warning of the risks inherent in driving while under the influence of THC.

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“Marijuana use in the United States is increasing as more states legalize its medicinal and recreational use. Managing the risk of car accidents related to marijuana impairment is important because marijuana affects a driver’s cognitive abilities. Aside from alcohol, marijuana is often found on post-crash tests. This substance must be treated as part of all vehicle safety programs in the workplace, ”the report said, adding that THC is psychoactive and“ could impair coordination, distort perception and lead to memory loss and problem solving ”. lead to slow reaction times when driving.

The report found that despite some unanswered questions about the role of marijuana in accident risk, “workers under the influence of marijuana do not have the skills necessary to drive safely”. The agency warned that increasing cannabis use should be addressed through vehicle safety programs in the workplace. completed the report.

Best Practices for Employers

The report urges companies to develop a comprehensive marijuana policy that takes into account the laws in force in each state and recognizes that “a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana may not be possible”. However, there is room for improvement in terms of best marijuana policy.

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Best practices recommended by the CDC include prohibiting employees from consuming any form of marijuana while at work and being under the influence when reporting to work. It also recommends working with an attorney to review company policies and outline the “specifics” of marijuana testing, such as test conditions, thresholds that pose a nuisance, and the consequences of a positive test.

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The CDC advises companies to partner with a medical professional who is trained to interpret THC tests and “warn drivers that cannabidiol (CBD) product labeling is unregulated” while their use could result in a positive THC test. Additionally, CDC is calling on companies to educate drivers about the effects of marijuana on cognitive abilities and recognizing the importance of helping employees struggling with addiction.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.