With the increasing legalization of recreational marijuana across various states, employers need to proactively prepare for the changes and their implications on the workplace. As more states allow adults to legally purchase and possess marijuana, it's essential for employers to review and update their workplace policies to ensure compliance and maintain a safe work environment.

Despite legalization, employers can still prohibit marijuana use that leads to impairment at work, akin to alcohol restrictions. Recent legal decisions, such as White v. Timken Gears & Servs., Inc. in Illinois...

One of the most pressing issues for businesses in states where marijuana use is legal is determining employee impairment before taking any adverse action. Unlike alcohol, where a simple breathalyzer test can gauge impairment, marijuana’s effects vary significantly based on consumption method, strain, and user tolerance.

Studies have shown that THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—and its metabolites can linger in the body long after the “high” has worn off. Recognizing this, many states have enacted laws requiring employers to prove impairment, not just the presence of THC. Traditional...

The increasing number of overdose deaths in the workplace is a critical issue that demands attention. In response, the National Safety Council (NSC) has introduced its Respond Ready Workplace program, aiming to reduce workplace overdose fatalities. This initiative comes at a crucial time as American workplaces are beginning to understand the depth of this problem and the need to address it effectively.

According to NSC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, unintentional overdose deaths in the workplace from non-medical use of drugs or...

In today's fast-paced business environment, small business owners are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in the health and well-being of their employees. A recent conversation between Sabrina Spitaletta, Senior Director of Public Health at the Milken Institute, and Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, sheds light on how a "whole-person" health approach can be a game-changer, especially in relation to substance use and its impact on the workplace.

Whole-person health is a holistic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical...

In the dynamic realm of marijuana regulation, technological innovations are continually reshaping how we approach the detection of marijuana use. One such advancement making waves is the marijuana breathalyzer, pioneered by biotech company Hound Labs.

Hound Labs has introduced a groundbreaking product capable of detecting marijuana use through breath samples. Results show positivity within an hour of smoking, gradually declining thereafter.

The process involves capturing a breath sample, preserving it, and sending it to a lab for analysis. While the initial model requires laboratory analysis...

As the workplace evolves, so do the challenges that organizations face in maintaining a safe and productive environment.

A Surge in Drug Test Tampering

According to Quest Diagnostics' latest report, the percentage of employees in the general U.S. workforce showing signs of tampered drug tests increased dramatically in 2023. Instances of substituted urine specimens surged by over 600%, while invalid urine specimens rose by 45.2%. These unprecedented numbers indicate a significant increase in efforts to circumvent drug testing protocols.

Suhash Harwani, Ph.D., Senior Director of Science for...

In today's workforce, the impact of addiction (substance use disorder) on employees is a reality many businesses face. Substance use disorders are complex and affect not only personal lives but also professional productivity and well-being. As small business owners, you have a unique opportunity to support your employees through their recovery journey. By implementing thoughtful strategies and creating a supportive environment, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Start by educating yourself and your management team about addiction and...

Prioritizing employee well-being is paramount, regardless of the actual environment in which that work takes place. One proactive measure to ensure a safe working environment is drug testing. However, implementing drug testing requires discretion and adherence to legal and ethical considerations, no matter the setting.

Drug use can impair performance, leading to accidents and injuries during work hours. Drug testing helps identify and address safety concerns, reducing risks. Policies should encompass all substance misuse, including prescribed medication or medical marijuana recommendations.

As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant impact of alcohol misuse in the United States and how that misuse can potentially affect your workplace and workforce. From preventable deaths to societal costs, the repercussions of excessive alcohol use are profound.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 95,000 people lose their lives annually due to excessive alcohol consumption.1 These fatalities stem from both long-term patterns of heavy drinking and short-term episodes of binge drinking, defined as consuming four or...

In the glossy realm of television, workplaces are often depicted as hubs of drama, intrigue, and sometimes, a fair bit of substance use. Take the Max TV series "Industry," for instance, where characters indulge in a "work hard, play hard" mentality that occasionally veers into the realm of illicit drug use. While these depictions may add spice to the storyline, they overlook the true risks of substance use within the workplace.

Contrary to the silver screen, employee substance use and addiction pose significant challenges in real life. According to the Society for Human Resource Management...

In the pursuit of fostering a safe and healthy work environment, implementing a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy is a pivotal step for employers. The nuances of these policies may vary, yet a common thread emerges – a staunch prohibition against alcohol consumption or illicit drug use or the misuse of prescription medications, especially prior to or during work hours – to prevent impairment and elevate safety standards.

As a supervisor, manager, or owner, acquainting yourself with your company's drug-free workplace policy is not just a task but a responsibility. You need to be capable...

As medical and recreational marijuana gain legal ground in more states, employers are taking a fresh look at their nationwide drug and alcohol policies. Yet, despite shifts in state-level regulations, marijuana retains its federal Schedule I classification. This introduces safety concerns for employers, as employees using marijuana could potentially arrive at work impaired, posing risks to their safety and that of their colleagues.

Before this recent wave of marijuana legalization, employers had the legal right to conduct drug screenings and terminate employees for off-duty drug use. However...

As small business owners and supervisors, you have a vital role in helping employees facing substance use disorder. Recent advice from Penn State Health highlights the importance of positive conversations and support. The advice below will help you to foster a culture of understanding and assistance.

Use A Positive Attitude:

Make sure your supervisors undergo training to identify and record signs of impairment, ensuring that discussions can progress smoothly. Initiate follow up conversations with care, avoiding negativity and judgment. Create an open and non-judgmental environment to...

In today's fast-paced business world, understanding and addressing the mental health and substance use challenges faced by employees is crucial. SAMHSA's "Substance Use Disorders Recovery with a Focus on Employment" guide is a valuable resource that not only explores best practices but also provides practical solutions for communities grappling with these issues. Developed with insights from experts, this guide offers business owners a practical approach to implement positive changes in mental health and substance use services within their organizations.

Individuals with Substance Use...

A recent CDC report reveals distressing trends in drug overdose deaths, spotlighting the heightened vulnerability of construction and restaurant workers in 2020. The study, analyzing data from 46 states and New York City, emphasizes the disproportionate challenges faced by specific sectors in the U.S. workforce.

Construction workers top the list with a staggering 131 deaths per 100,000, closely followed by restaurant workers at 99 deaths per 100,000. These varying rates underscore a significant health equity issue within the workforce.

Researchers identify two intersecting pathways behind...

Ever wondered about drug test kits and their role in understanding substance use at your workplace?

Drug test kits come in various types, including urine, saliva, hair, and surface tests, each designed to detect specific drugs or substances. Urine test kits are simple and cover a broad spectrum of substances. Saliva test kits offer quick results and are ideal for recent drug use checks. Hair test kits offer insights into long-term drug use history. And there are even surface drug test kits, which can test for lingering drug residue on things.

Benefits of using drug test kits include:

As we approach the holiday season, it's crucial to address a growing concern that affects workplaces across the nation—opioid use. The opioid epidemic continues to claim lives, and its impact extends into the professional realm.

Opioids, including prescription painkillers and synthetics like fentanyl, caused over 80,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021.¹ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 220 people die daily from opioid overdoses, often involving dangerous variations of fentanyl.²

Why Small Business Owners Should Pay Attention:

Workplace Safety: Opioid use...

Testing for marijuana impairment is like navigating a maze – it's tricky, and the rules aren't as straightforward as they are for alcohol. Unlike a clear blood alcohol concentration limit for alcohol (like the 0.08% legal limit for driving), figuring out if someone is impaired by marijuana isn't as simple. Tests for THC, the active component in marijuana, can show positive results long after any "high" has worn off. It's a bit like finding footprints but not knowing exactly when the person walked by.

Adding to the confusion, the type of test matters. Whether it's a urine, blood, or hair test...

Addressing Overdose Risks: A Call for Workplace Support for Healthcare Workers

New research covering the years 2008 to 2019 reveals a troubling rise in drug overdose cases among healthcare workers. Nurses, social and behavioral healthcare workers, and healthcare support staff are facing increased risks, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The impact on workplaces is significant. Social workers and behavioral healthcare workers are more than twice as likely to experience a fatal overdose compared to others, while health support workers, including those in-home healthcare, face a...

The Biden administration recently launched the Recovery-Ready Workplace initiative, along with an online hub, urging employers nationwide to actively support individuals in recovery from addiction. The program provides a toolkit for employers and endorses a model state law to incentivize businesses to become "recovery-friendly" workplaces. With over 20 million Americans in recovery, the initiative aims to combat discrimination faced by those seeking employment while presenting a mutually beneficial opportunity for both individuals and businesses.

Rahul Gupta, the director of the White House...