Failed drug tests in the workplace hit a two-decade high — here’s why

Last year, American workers turned in more positive drug tests than in the past two decades, mostly due to marijuana.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Quest Diagnostics received over 6 million drug tests. Of these, 3.9% responded positively to weed. According to Quest’s indexes, that number represents an 8% increase over the prior year.

RELATED: Will drug testing for weed eventually go away forever?

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The 2021 numbers show an even larger gap compared to 2017, representing a 50 percent increase in positive drug tests consistent with how much the public’s perception of marijuana has evolved in recent years.

Marijuana testing is still an issue, even if the landscape is very different than it has been in years past. Fewer companies are testing for THC, according to Quest Diagnostics officials, while some states have passed laws preventing employers from testing prospective employees for drugs.

Yes, the evolving perception of weed is largely responsible for these changes, but these failed drug tests have also been accelerated by the pandemic, which has led to staff shortages and more forgiving employers.

While some industries that involve workers with heavy machinery are understandably adamant about their drug testing policies, others have changed with the times or simply admitted they are playing a losing game. Younger employees have different perspectives on marijuana as drug testing narrows the pool of potential and talented employees.

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Drug testing in the workplace is an ongoing conversation that shifts from day to day. Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation proposed a new rule that would give employers the ability to offer various drug testing options, including saliva testing.

RELATED: Which Industries Are Workers Most Commonly Tested for Cannabis?

Saliva tests are less invasive and can detect THC consumption within the past 24 hours. Urine samples are the norm and can detect THC consumption within the past month.

Workplace drug testing is understandable in some circumstances, but not in most cases. As cannabis gains legal status in a variety of states and as younger people enter the labor market, it is important that laws reflect the reality of the country.