How cannabis changed the workplace

With legalization spreading at a rapid pace around the world, many wonder how cannabis is transforming the workplace. In the United States alone, 21 states have lifted cannabis bans as many people use hemp for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, as this new wave of wellness and care continues to spread around the world, it opens the door to other problems as well, especially in large corporations. Although many people use cannabis in their spare time and after work, large companies and employees are wondering if this new lifestyle could affect work safety.

How has cannabis affected large companies?

When applying for a job, prospective new employees know that the protocol when applying for a job is the standard drug screening. For years, cannabis users have tried various tips and tricks to pass drug screening, from drinking tons of cranberry juice to buying an expensive five-day detox to eliminate as much THC as possible, as it is most commonly discovered in drug screenings. However, there has been a cultural and political shift in the way Americans approach cannabis use in the world today.

As cannabis becomes part of the mainstream market, companies are embracing the change. According to a recent NBC report, companies have embraced cannabis culture in hopes that weed will become less taboo in other workplaces. “As the CEO of a company, I prefer to let my employees smoke cannabis together rather than have a drink and come to work the next day hungover,” said Rosie Mattio, CEO and founder of Mattio Communications. Amazon, one of the largest companies in the world, stopped cannabis screening in its drug testing policy earlier this year, stating that “we have changed course when US state laws move”. As more people choose cannabis for personal and medicinal use, companies are adapting to the times. But not all companies are created equal.

Are there more companies on board whose employees use cannabis?

It depends on the position you are applying for. Slowly but surely, companies are learning to adapt as society has changed the way they view cannabis in the workplace from a decade ago. However, there are still restrictions that cannabis users must be aware of. For people who operate machines, drive forklifts, or deliver products in a vehicle, drug screening is an absolute must as employees who are under the influence of drugs can be fatal. And since cannabis is still federally illegal and remains a List 1 drug, large corporations still have the right to reject anyone with a positive test result, depending on which state they are in.

The great fear in large corporations and corporations is that employees will work high, which has become an HR nightmare. While some companies have zero tolerance policies, other companies have started implementing new HR strategies for current employees who use cannabis, such as: On the other hand, some employers have reported allowing their employees to use cannabis around the clock.

How will cannabis legalization affect the bottom line?

For the most part, employers see that the majority of people who use cannabis use it responsibly. The majority of cannabis users these days have a job and can work at work just like someone who doesn’t use cannabis. In itself, cannabis has already changed the workplace. The best tip, however, is to plan ahead when applying for a new job. As a cannabis user, you must take the time to familiarize yourself with the latest state laws and company policies surrounding cannabis use. And of course, make sure you are responsible for your cannabis use or you will end up unemployed. Rule of thumb before applying: Find out more.