Workplace Drug Testing and Marijuana
Employer drug testing for marijuana has become much more complicated in recent years. With several states now allowing medical marijuana and Colorado and Washington allowing recreational marijuana, now tests are required that do more than just detect the mere presence of the drug. Today’s tests can measure how much of the drug’s metabolite is in the system as well as the existence of the chemical in the body. If you were wondering if testing for marijuana has meaning anymore, these new tests make it clear that YES, it is. In fact, as marijuana is becoming more accepted, it may be MORE important to test current and potential employees. Consider these three reasons why you should check out today’s tests.
1. The Benefit of a Drug Free Workplace
We can help you put together a drug-free workplace program. When you can advertise that your firm is drug-free, customers and employees alike will develop a higher level of confidence. Plus, you can feel good that you are investing in the health and wellness of your employees by requiring this drug-free workspace.
2. Our Reporting by MROs is State of the Art
Testing is performed at SAMHSA certified laboratories. We offer drug testing where your test is checked and verified by a medical review officer (MRO). We know that accurate reviews are crucial to you, so we invest in the best employees to assure you get just this. With our officers and assistants, we can offer MRO coverage from 8 am until 8 pm.
3. Comply with DOT Regulations
Even in areas where marijuana is legal, you may have requirements put in place by the DOT. Alternatively, perhaps, you simply want to meet these higher requirements to make sure there are no liability issues with your firm. Our DOT drug testing programs are designed to help you meet all of these standards that the DOT sets. Don’t settle for just any drug testing—make sure that your program is compliant with DOT standards and that it will pass a DOT audit.
As you can see, there are many reasons to consider drug testing—and with the high-tech tests today, you can test accurately even in states where medical or recreational marijuana is legal. If you would like more information about implementing or upgrading testing for your workplace, call or contact us at National Drug Screening, Inc today.
Consider these alarming statistics from Colorado just published 09/2015:
- In 2014, when retail marijuana businesses began operating, there was a 32% increase in marijuana-related traffic deaths in just one year from 2013.
- In 2013, 11.16% percent of Colorado youth ages 12 to 17 years old were considered current marijuana users compared to 7.15% nationally. Colorado ranked 3rd in the nation and was 56% higher than the national average.
- In 2013, 29% of college age students (ages 18 to 25 years old) were considered current marijuana users compared to 18.91% nationally. Colorado, ranked 2nd in the nation, was 54% higher than the national average.
- In 2014, when retail marijuana businesses began operating, there was a 29% increase in the number of marijuana-related emergency room visits in only one year.
- In 2014, when retail marijuana businesses began operating, there was a 38% increase in the number of marijuana-related hospitalizations in only one year.
- Overall, crime in Denver increased 12.3 percent from 2012 to 2014.
- Employers in Colorado have increased drug testing efforts including drug testing for marijuana.
Source: The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado – The Impact
Marijuana is not harmless, employers have a right to a drug free workplace and drug testing for marijuana.
