Marijuana Legalization and Safety-Sensitive Employees
Although many states may be legalizing marijuana use, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act still prohibits safety-sensitive employees from using drugs. Safety-sensitive employees in the transportation industry are mandated to comply with federal requirements regarding drug testing. The use of marijuana is not allowable by safety-sensitive DOT employees due to these federal regulations.
How do Marijuana Laws affect Federally-Regulated Employees?
According to the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is a Schedule I substance. Federal law makes it illegal to possess, distribute, grow, manufacture, and use marijuana. Safety-sensitive employees have to avoid using drugs, making it illegal for federal employees to handle or use marijuana.
Due to the unregulated business of CBD, DOT-mandated employees should not use this substance. Depending on the product you get, there might be trace amounts of THC present. If a safety-sensitive employee fails a drug test due to CBD they will still be removed from their position.
What is a Safety Sensitive Employee?
A safety-sensitive employee holds a position that puts themselves, their colleagues, and the general public at risk. These jobs are federally regulated and employees must be unimpaired and have complete awareness while on the job. The employee has to be capable of good judgment and safe execution in every aspect of the job.
How to Manage Stress without Marijuana
Many people think the best way to cope with or manage stress is with marijuana use. However, there are many other ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Daily stress can feel like an overstuffed backpack we are lugging around; it only gets heavier and heavier. When life’s stress gets too much, we have to do whatever we can to make the journey less difficult. The following strategies help you cope without using substances.
- Don’t take on too much work – ask for help when possible.
- Stay active – a healthy mind requires movement. Consider a daily exercise practice and getting your blood pumping.
- Take responsibility for what is happening – acceptance is important to recover from stress and anxiety.
- Employ the act of solving problems – you don’t have to give up when you feel down. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Cultivate emotionally supportive relationships – having a network of friends and/or family that can be there for you can make a huge difference.
- Consider therapy – having an unbiased support structure can help you work through problems in your day to day life.
Have You Used Marijuana and Failed a Drug Test?
When an employee is removed from their safety-sensitive duties due to a failed drug test they have to find a SAP in their area to begin the return to duty process. To learn more about how to find a SAP quickly, get in touch with SAP Referral Services (SRS). With SRS, you can be scheduled with a SAP in your area generally within 72-business hours. Contact us today at 410-668-8110.