Exploring the Impacts of Marijuana in the Workplace

 

            How exactly does marijuana impact employees’ diligence within the workplace? Solorio states, “As of 2023, a total of 23 states, along with Washington D.C., have legalized recreational cannabis, while many others have decriminalized its use to varying extents.” Marijuana has been on the uprise in the United States for years with those using both medically and recreationally. With these numbers increasing every year, more places are cracking down on workers who are using cannabis in the workplace. The cognitive impairment and legal discussions surrounding these somewhat new cannabis laws pose greater questions between workers and employers.

            One of the many risks to cannabis use at work includes the impairment of cognitive abilities when using. Medical users of marijuana are more inclined to smoke before their shift to help alleviate certain medical conditions they may have. Some of the conditions this is used to treat include pain, anxiety, glaucoma, nausea, etc. Workers in many industries, especially public service workers, have to present themselves accordingly because various workers rely on tips from customers for their salary. For some, a main deterrent to not tip or engage with places comes from the widely known smell, however, many customers also notice the appearance of marijuana users who normally have red or glossy narrow looking eyes which are easily evident. Another occupation that may have negative consequences of cannabis use includes construction and factory workers. “As asserted by Ware (2011), the negative impact of marijuana is catastrophic for construction workers, which cause them to lose balance while reducing their ability to judge distance.” (Junyi par. 8). With these psychoactive effects from the THC in marijuana, construction workers depth perception becomes unreliable, creating unsafe working conditions. "It is essential that as a business community we continue our diligence and ensure that the protections for the business community and employers remain strong and safety for employees and customers remains paramount," (Kershner). Moreover, factory workers often operate heavy machinery and equipment, when doing these things high, workers further themselves into already hazardous working conditions. "With the amount of equipment and fork trucks In a manufacturing facility, all team members need to be aware of their surroundings at all times," he said. "The use of marijuana could certainly make a difference in their reflexes and judgment." (Gnau). Consuming marijuana alters your perception of time and impairs your fine motor skills, eventually slowing down your reaction time. 

            Another controversy to workplace marijuana use comes from the many legal discussions as a result of this new strain of usage. As more and more countries and states move towards legalization of cannabis, they are faced with the many challenges that authorities have to govern through about marijuana use.  "You can't do it and come to work just like you can't drink and come to work. We don't want you coming in here smelling like alcohol, and we don't want you coming in here smelling like marijuana," (Gnau). Due to these new developments, employers are reevaluating workplace policies on marijuana to accommodate these changing laws. Workplaces are actively enforcing stricter guidelines to reduce the risks of workplace negligence. "They need to figure this out because we've got to be able to protect a worker that smoked recreationally but didn't do it right before work, they did it last night. But if they're tested today they will test positive," (Gnau). As a result of all the changes to the reforms bring lots of controversy and highlight the much-needed protection for employees and employers.  

            In conclusion, there are many effects to using marijuana in the workplace that present multiple adverse consequences. Vast legal discussions surrounding this topic along with cognitive impairment when using cannabis plays a major role regarding new employee reform. Newer relaxed marijuana laws not only complicate workers’ safety but also their employee rights, privacy, and efficiency in their field of work. Workplace executives can begin to further awareness, while employers can usefully alleviate negative consequences of drug use in the workplace and advocate responsible usage.

Works Cited

Dai, Junyi. “Medical Marijuana in the Workplace.” ProQuest.com. 3 Summer. 2022, https://www.proquest.com/docview/2708789974?accountid=26459&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals. Accessed 9 April, 2025.

Gnau, Thomas. “Legal weed complicates already complicated landscape for employers.” Springfield News-Sun. 7 December. 2023, https://research.ebsco.com/c/qh4vbl/viewer/html/wrd65xbmd5. Accessed 9 April, 2025.

Solorio, Alexandra. “From Prohibition to Policy: The Evolution of Cannabis Laws Across the U.S.” Nug Magazine. 21 January. 2025, https://www.nugmag.com/from-prohibition-to-policy-the-evolution-of-cannabis-laws-across-the-u-s/. Accessed 14 April, 2025.

Kershner, Chris. “Legal weed complicates already complicated landscape for employers.” Springfield News-Sun. 7 December. 2023, https://research.ebsco.com/c/qh4vbl/viewer/html/wrd65xbmd5. Accessed 9 April, 2025.