Quest Diagnostics Employer Solutions Blog | Dr. Barry Sample | 19 January 2021
As states pass legislation to allow medical and recreational marijuana use, some are questioning whether workplace drug testing for marijuana and other illicit drugs is appropriate or even necessary. Some argue that the war on drugs is over and, therefore, drug testing provides no value. Yet, the reality is that there is a wealth of research conducted by government and independent organizations showing that workplace drug use puts employees at risk – and a drug testing program can help to foster healthier, safer, more productive, and drug-free work environments.
We reviewed published research and articles to help highlight some key points like how people under the influence of drugs perform their job duties, if substance abuse in our society is increasing, the effectiveness of workplace drug testing, and whether screening discourages use.
