There’s no feeling like getting comfortable with a new job only to get the dreaded random drug test for THC. Only nowadays, the problem for employers is that many workers have many more choices when it comes to job opportunities than in years past.
That means employers hoping to fill open roles now have to pull out all the stops in order to attract the talent they need. That often entails typical workplace bonuses like more wages and better hours. Another way employers are widening their talent pool is by doing away with testing for THC, which is a perk for both recreational and medical marijuana users.
Additionally, the marijuana industry itself has come along in ways that allow people who use marijuana to work directly in the industry themselves. Resources like 420 Careers which serves as the ZipRecruiter of the cannabis industry, connect people directly with their potential dream jobs within the cannabis industry.
And finally, the new job platform, Phynally, is a job listing site for employers who are looking to fill roles without any sort of pre-employment or random drug screening.
Amazon Sets Example by Doing Away With Drug Screenings for Current and Prospective Employees
To highlight just how big of an impact drug testing for THC can have on an employer’s quest to fill open positions, Amazon reports that screening for marijuana results in a 30% cut in their prospective worker pool. As a result, they’ve decided to do away with testing their applicants for THC as of June of 2021.
Amazon has even gone as far as lobbying for the federal legalization of marijuana, along with urging their delivery partners to do away with testing for THC. The main questions for both recreational marijuana users and patients who have medical marijuana cards are whether or not this trend will continue, and how much longer will it take for more changes to occur in how workplaces deal with cannabis.
Other pertinent questions for medical marijuana users considering employment in Ohio include:
Which Jobs Tend to Test Employers for THC?
While current circumstances create something of the perfect storm for employers in certain industries to finally scrap their drug testing protocols, it’s a safe bet that other industries won’t be following suit any time soon. According to Forbes, the industries where drug testing for marijuana is most common include healthcare, transportation & logistics, aerospace & defense, construction, manufacturing and IT.
Taking that into consideration, people who work within these industries shouldn’t anticipate seeing their jobs make any drastic changes to their drug testing protocols.
While there are probably people employed within these industries who would likely experience better work performance due to the relief medical marijuana provides, a lack of protection could be the main barrier holding them back from using it.
Although medical marijuana has been legalized in Ohio for several years now, there are still no concrete rules or regulations that provide guidance on how to address employers who use cannabis to treat certain ailments. That lack of insight creates the persisting gray area that makes many Ohioans apprehensive about treating their conditions using medical marijuana.
Is it Legal for Employers to Drug Test Ohio Medical Marijuana Users?
Unfortunately, employers in Ohio are free to drug test employers however they see fit, regardless of whether or not an employee is a medical marijuana cardholder. Making matters more frustrating is the fact that there has been a precedent set for protecting employees that use medical marijuana in other states, it's just that the state of Ohio did not incorporate any of those statutes into its original bill allowing patients to use medical marijuana.
Complicating matters even further is the fact that there is no federal guidance or protection for medical marijuana patients since cannabis is still federally illegal.
The light at the end of the tunnel for medical marijuana patients in Ohio is the fact that it’s never too late for the State Legislature to add protections for employees. Since the appeals process for Ohio HB 523 went into effect on November 1, 2018, courts can change aspects of the bill that patients find to be unfair, unconstitutional or against the law.
Another reason for hope in how employers in Ohio test for THC is that federal legalization of cannabis is on the horizon within the next few years.
Tips for Avoiding Termination While Using Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Sadly, the threat of losing employment is big enough to keep anyone away from Ohio’s medical marijuana program. There are numerous reasons why medical marijuana could benefit patients in ways that traditional medication can't, which is why it’s important for people to understand how they can use it without jeopardizing their career.
A few important steps to take that can help patients retain their jobs while using medical marijuana include:
Understanding Your Workplace Drug Testing Policy
Each workplace has its own drug testing policy that employees likely gloss over once during their first day, then proceed to forget about until it’s time to submit for a drug test. The best way for employees to use medical marijuana without putting their role at risk is to read over the company drug policy thoroughly and ask questions to ensure that there are no assigned testing dates or situations.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to find out if your workplace makes accommodations or exceptions if you have a valid medical marijuana card.
Getting Familiar with CBD Products
Since most drug tests only test for THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid present in medical marijuana, patients are likely in the clear by using strictly CBD products only. The most important thing to remember when shopping for CBD products is that full spectrum CBD products possess low levels of THC, while broad spectrum products are completely free of THC.
Most CBD products sold at Ohio dispensaries also contain at least minimal amounts of THC.
Ask Questions About Any Products You Feel Questionable About Buying
Although most products in Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries are fairly self explanatory, there are always friendly representatives willing to help out and ask any questions you have about whether or not products will make you fail a drug test. Using their knowledge to your advantage is a great way to avoid buying medical marijuana products that will cause you to fail a drug test.
Don’t Let Punitive Drug Tests Keep You From Experiencing the Relief of Medical Marijuana - Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
While the prospect of getting terminated from a valuable job is a valid reason to be worried about getting a medical marijuana card, rest assured that there are measures that can be taken that allow patients to experience the relief of medical marijuana without testing positive for THC.
Since there are Ohioans across every industry imaginable that are getting the benefits of medical marijuana, there’s no reason why you can’t be next. To get more information on how to get your medical marijuana card, schedule an appointment with a certified physician today. Ohio Marijuana Card representatives are available to answer questions about Ohio’s medical marijuana program six days a week, and same day appointments are available if needed.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.