41,000 truck drivers tested positive for marijuana in 2022
Marking a 32% increase compared to 2021m a whopping 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for the substance, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Decriminalization of marijuana may lead to changes in drug testing policies for truck drivers, as employers may be less likely to test for marijuana use, or may revise their policies to allow for the use of marijuana in certain circumstances. Decriminalization may also affect hiring practices in the trucking industry, as employers may be more willing to hire individuals who have used marijuana in the past, or who use marijuana for medical purposes. The decriminalization of marijuana may raise concerns about the impact of marijuana use on workplace safety, particularly for truck drivers who operate heavy vehicles on public roads. This may also have an impact on insurance rates for trucking companies, as insurance providers may adjust their pricing to reflect the potential risks associated with marijuana use.
Despite changes in state law, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, which creates challenges for the trucking industry, as truck drivers are subject to federal regulations, regardless of state laws.
The Biden administration is gearing up to make a historic shift by planning to reclassify cannabis under federal law.