The legalization of medical marijuana has been a controversial topic in the United States for many years. While some people believe that it can be a useful tool for treating certain medical conditions, others are concerned about the potential negative effects of increased marijuana use. A recent study has found that the medical marijuana program in the US is linked to record high marijuana use among workers.
The study, which was conducted by Quest Diagnostics, analyzed drug test results from more than 10 million US workers between 2011 and 2018. The researchers found that the percentage of workers who tested positive for marijuana increased from 1.9% in 2011 to 2.8% in 2018. This represents a 48% increase in marijuana use among US workers over the seven-year period.
One of the main factors driving this increase in marijuana use is the legalization of medical marijuana in many states. Currently, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, and 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. This has made it easier for people to access marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.
The study found that workers in states with medical marijuana programs were more likely to test positive for marijuana than workers in states without such programs. In states with medical marijuana programs, the percentage of workers who tested positive for marijuana increased from 2.0% in 2011 to 3.5% in 2018. In states without medical marijuana programs, the percentage of workers who tested positive for marijuana increased from 1.8% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2018.
The study also found that workers in safety-sensitive industries, such as transportation and construction, were more likely to test positive for marijuana than workers in other industries. This is a concern because marijuana use can impair cognitive function and motor skills, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries in these industries.
The findings of this study have important implications for employers and policymakers. Employers may need to revise their drug testing policies to account for the increased use of marijuana among workers. Policymakers may need to consider the potential negative effects of medical marijuana programs on public health and safety.
Overall, the medical marijuana program in the US is linked to record high marijuana use among workers. While medical marijuana may have some benefits for certain medical conditions, it is important to consider the potential negative effects of increased marijuana use on public health and safety. Employers and policymakers will need to work together to address these issues and ensure that workers are safe and healthy.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/marijuana-use-among-us-workers-jumps-to-historic-highs-medical-marijuana-program-connection/