The latest CDC employer guidelines suggest that marijuana legalization may be coming soon

With cannabis rapidly gaining acceptance in the US and around the world, company policies regarding its use undoubtedly need to change. Workplace drug testing has long been an industry that has been doing government dirty work for years.

In fact, there is little evidence that people who use cannabis make them less productive or less alert in their work. Since THC can also linger in the human body for weeks and in some cases even for months, the detection of THC in urine or blood does not indicate any impairment.

It is for this reason that the CDC has decided to support and advise companies – especially those operating in multiple states – on how to properly shape cannabis policies by saying that “a total ban may not be possible”. This is because places like New York have banned the use of cannabis as an excuse for denying someone employment. It also protects people from getting fired if they test positive for cannabis.

For users, this is wonderful news – but for employers, they have liabilities to worry about, and with cannabis still a federally illegal substance, the CDC’s guidance is a sign that there could be significant changes to the policy soon.

Let’s take a closer look at what the CDC recommends for businesses.

CDC Cannabis Workplace Guide

The biggest suggestion the CDC made for businesses was more related to those who use trucks or have workers behind vehicles. While they admit that research on driving with cannabis restriction has not found any significant evidence that consumption increases accidents, there should be “zero tolerance” for driving.

However, as noted, states like New York have banned this type of legislation, so drivers would have to be “impaired” to be fired. This means that in order to fire an employee who tested positive for THC, a company would need a doctor who is able to interpret the readings and prove that the employee was impaired while at work.

The only exceptions are – currently – employees who work for the federal government. As they adhere to federal legislation, they will be pursuing a zero tolerance approach for the foreseeable future.

The CDC argued that employers should at least prohibit workers from consuming “on the construction site” or from being disabled to work. This is common sense, of course, but officially this is the recommendation. The CDC also suggested that companies hire an attorney to review their cannabis policies so that it complies with state law.

Another suggestion from the CDC was to provide “access to support” with “in-house solutions” to workers with a drug problem, or to refer people to local resources. This is an interesting approach and goes against the typical approach of simply firing someone when they are struggling with drug use.

I can imagine that particular part of a political curvature will make it more difficult in the future to fire someone with drug problems because they are suffering from the psychological problem of addiction.

Nonetheless, it seems crystal clear that the CDC’s top concern is disabled drivers. Essentially, they want to make it difficult or impossible for people to drive and smoke weed. That’s definitely fine because no one is in favor of stoned driving.

Where I disagree with the CDC

Personally, I don’t think cannabis should be a problem for employers – most people will smoke and be able to leave their weed at home. Medical patients will function better with local cannabis smoking – something the CDC failed to mention.

However, I believe that companies should retain the right

1. Test for cannabis

2. Have the right to fire people for cannabis

While I don’t think they should ever enact these terms, I do believe they should be within their right to fire someone if they violate their internal drug policies. However, I would like to think that if a company implemented these draconian rules, that company’s consumer base would come and defend its employees.

The reason I believe a company should still retain the right to fire someone for violating its drug policy is because companies should retain power over those decisions. If we allow the government to say who you can and can’t hire – then they can implement policies that don’t serve your company’s best interests and might legislate based on fads or mob rules.

Of course, I think society should be the mediator and support companies that are “involved” when it comes to cannabis policy. Additionally, it would be good to have a device that can actually indicate impairment, as there is no doubt that the more cannabis becomes available the more people will use cannabis in the years to come.

Nonetheless, the fact that the CDC made these suggestions seems to be a signal that a dramatic change could be imminent in DC. On the other hand, the government has been signaling major reforms for years and all we have to show is a white house that is indifferent to the cannabis users who voted it to power.

If the Republicans manage to seal a cannabis law from the Democrats, it is sure to have a huge impact on the 2024 elections.

Personally, I hope that Americans can finally give up their binary approach to politics. In the words of the Awakened One – “cispolitical ideologies” kill the world. We need a new political party to replace the dichotomy of power that has consolidated into a single monster serving the needs of corporations.

Nonetheless, I believe we are going to see some big changes over the next few months. I’m not one hundred percent sure whether it will be possible before the end of the year – but Christmas miracles do happen … or do they?

CDC ON MARIJUANA, READ MORE REPORTS …

CDC DISTRIBUTES MARIJUANA REPORT – MANY USE IT, NO ONE ABUSES IT!

OR..

CDC WARNING ON CARPAL TUNNEL FOR CANNABIS TRIMMER.