We have talked here on the blog about the many changes to marijuana drug testing, which continues to shift depending on where you are in the country. The times are a changin’ and it’s important to be proactive in your drug testing policy to avoid issues. Hiring and retaining quality employees has also become more and more challenging, so let’s take some time today to talk about how you can continue to maintain a healthy culture and team amongst changing drug laws.
Determine Safety-Sensitive Requirements
Depending on your industry, there may still be defined legal requirements for drug testing, including THC and marijuana. Many safety-sensitive industries like transportation have zero-tolerance drug policies. These policies are mandated at a FEDERAL level, so be aware of what your industry requires, regardless of what state you are in.
Establish Clear Communication in Your Drug Testing Policy
Whether you are in a state where marijuana is legal or not, you should ALWAYS have a drug testing policy that is clear and concise. This written policy should be a transparent agreement between you and your employee, which clearly outlines the specifics of the program. Ensure your policy clearly lays out which positions in your company require testing, how often the tests can or will occur, and any potential penalties that may be legally applicable for a failed drug test.
Educate Your Employees
Transparency and trust are so important to a successful employee/employer relationship. Be open and honest about what is most important to you as a business owner. Help employees understand the importance of drug testing and the prevention of addiction. A healthy open and honest work environment that supports each other through thick and thin is vital. Ensure your employees not only KNOW the policy but know WHY the policy exists. It is to keep everyone safe, healthy, and of course.. Employed.
Stay Malleable With a Trusted Background Check Partner
You have important things to worry about. Keeping your finger on the pulse of marijuana drug testing for your state, for medicinal or recreational, for one industry but not for another, it can get complicated. One of the best pieces of advice we can provide is to have someone that you know you can count on to turn to with these questions. Have a drug testing partner who will keep their eye on the legislation and help you to know what you need to do, and when.
Consistent review and communication with a trusted background check partner can help you stay in compliance, and keep your team running smoothly.
Medicinal and recreational marijuana laws are not done changing, and it’s important to have a trusted partner in this industry for that reason. No matter what state you are in, or if you are perhaps in multiple states, having a clear and concise drug testing policy is imperative to not only staying in legal compliance but also running a successful company. If you have any questions regarding your current marijuana drug testing policy, please give us a call. That’s what we are here for. Remember to follow us on Linkedin for more helpful tips and industry news!
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