Over the past 50 years, the perception of marijuana has gone from overwhelmingly negative to incredibly positive. As is the case with all laws, change started at the societal level before being put before lawmakers. The percentage of Americans who supported marijuana legalization jumped from 12% to 70% from 1969 to 2023. By 2012, marijuana was first legalized in Washington.
Since then, it has grown into a topic for employers to debate over. While it’s legal for recreational use in 25 states, marijuana can be problematic for employers for performance and liability reasons. Unfortunately, cracking down on it is becoming harder from a legal perspective. Aside from the widespread legalization, a failed drug test alone is not enough to discipline an employee in 5 states. Furthermore, an accommodation is required for employees with a prescription for medical marijuana.
Because of how fast this trend is sweeping the US, it is estimated that as many as 33% of businesses are not prepared for the impact of marijuana on their business and their industry. If you want to make sure your business is properly prepared, it’s pivotal to keep up to date on the marijuana laws in your state and at the federal level.
Source: US Drug Test Centers
