
As the drug use landscape changes in the United States, so does the tolerance for drug use in the workplace and the need for employee testing. From state to state, employee drug testing laws currently vary drastically. Only five states consider the practice to be legal, with 11 states having no law at all regarding drug testing. Hundreds of new bills were introduced in the past year on drug testing, demonstrating the changes that we will continue to see shortly.
Especially following the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana use in several US states, it is more important now than ever to protect vulnerable workers from the risks of drug use at work. Over the past 5 years, positive marijuana tests have increased by over 45%, which experts say could have serious implications for safety-sensitive industries. This fact has led many state leaders to implement policies that ensure safe and sober work environments These policies include employee drug testing laws and anti-cheating measures to be put in place. Affected industries like construction and manufacturing are leading the charge, already carrying out employee drug testing. Ten states and counting also have anti-tampering laws in place to discourage foul play and to foster a safe space for all essential workers to do their jobs.
Source: USDrugTestCenters.com