Debunking Myths about Driving under the Influence of Marijuana The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 says that it is against the law for anyone in the US to use or have cannabis for any reason. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), cannabis is a Schedule I substance, which means it has a high potential for [...]
Secondhand marijuana smoke harbors numerous health risks to exposed non-pot smokers. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, it is becoming an increased cause of concern. Many people wonder whether secondhand marijuana smoke can cause a positive drug test. Effects of Marijuana Smoke on Drug Test Many concerns have been raised about the effect [...]
Non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, although helpful and convenient, come with an array of drawbacks and risks, such as the risk of addiction and abuse. When used long-term and in higher doses, many of these drugs can be deadly. Because of their accessibility and affordability (compared to prescription medication), OTC medication is frequently used for a [...]
Historically, substance abuse increases when things are bad in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. After 9/11, the National Institutes of Health reported that with the stress of the times, people often resort to substance use (or relapse) to cope. From a recent Medscape Article: After Hurricane Katrina , substance abuse disorders in New Orleans [...]
Many businesses regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) are considered essential business and have continued operating since the state-at-home orders began. Find out more details about DOT drug and alcohol compliance requirements. These DOT regulated employers are not “off the hook” when it comes to DOT drug and alcohol compliance requirements. Summary [...]
The Department of Transportation's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) issued guidance on March 23, 2020 Specifically ... Q: What happens if my agency is unable to conduct DOT drug or alcohol testing due to COVID-19 supply shortages and facility closures? A: If you are unable to conduct DOT drug or alcohol [...]
“This whole thing could have been avoided if they inform drivers, but this driver has had a CDL since 2014 so I still believe he got p***ed off and marched out.” - from an email from a colleague. This is a Refusal To Test. Under DOT regulations, a Refusal To Test is a violation that [...]
On Thursday, December 26th, 2019 the FMCSA announced that it is increasing the random drug testing rate for 2020 from 25% to 50%. Alcohol testing will remain at 10%. A summary of the notice is listed below: The FMCSA announces that it is increasing the minimum annual percentage rate for random controlled substances testing for drivers [...]
As business owners, most of us look at our drug testing policies as an afterthought, something to check off of the endless to-do list. Often the policy just ends up in the drawer. If your workforce includes employees regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, then you probably understand federal drug testing requirements. But most of the [...]
May 2022 Update: The following post is still relevant and has information that is relevant to all employers who want or need to maintain a drug-free workplace.As various states legalize marijuana, the employee drug testing landscape is changing quickly. Recent legislation in many states and cities limits an employer’s right to include marijuana in a [...]
