A recent survey of hiring managers found that the legalisation of marijuana in several US states has not changed how employers screen job applicants and employees for the drug. The survey, which was conducted by Employment Background Investigations, Inc. in late 2017, asked human resource professionals if the new laws would prompt them to reduce or alter their drug screening programmes in any way.
More than 70% of respondents said that job applicants and employees will continue to be screened for marijuana use, even in states where it has been legalised. The top concern according to hiring managers is employee safety, followed by liability and insurance issues, and lastly, job performance.
Most interestingly, despite legalisation, more than half of those surveyed said a positive marijuana test would automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.
Robert Capwell, Chief Knowledge Officer, EBI remarked, "Legalisation of marijuana should not, and at this point does not, alter corporate policies regarding drug screening. Even in states where recreational marijuana is legal, the law allows employers to maintain a drug-free workplace. Employers are still well within their right to turn down an applicant who tests positive for marijuana use."
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
