Cannabis
Report: Truckers Support Marijuana Testing Reform
The trucking industry is an industry with both a labor shortage problem, and an issue with marijuana tests. A new report backs up that truckers are very much for marijuana reform, especially in trucker testing policies. What did the report say? And how prevalent is it to test positive for cannabis in the trucking industry?
Report on truckers and marijuana
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released a report called Impacts of Marijuana Legalization on the Trucking Industry, on June 5th. The report evaluates how a marijuana legalization can impact truckers as a whole. It covers different topics related to both marijuana and the trucking industry: latest demographics of legalization; an evaluation of data regarding marijuana use, and highway safety; what implications a legalization could have on hiring practices for truckers; and an evaluation of CDL data for driver drug tests.
The report was a high priority for the organization’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) in 2022. It includes a number of driver surveys to gain insight into how these workers feel about marijuana reform, and the current laws attached to drug tests. Overall, drivers showed they were unhappy with current drug test laws, particularly because there is no actual impairment test.
The report subsequently goes into how the federal government could potentially update policy as a part of overall marijuana reform. The report speaks of two different options in front of the federal government, that have two very different outcomes for the future of the trucking industry.
The first is to do nothing, and maintain the same policy of prohibition. This pathway results in what’s already happening today. Drivers constantly being removed (despite the shortage) due only to a positive test; which potentially highlights use from well before the time of testing. The other option is for legalization, for which the agency reminds that the following would be necessary to help employers: national standards for marijuana testing and impairment; and laws that protect carriers, and allow for continued screening of some kind.
The report reminds us that “The central goal of industry drug testing efforts is highway safety. The current approach supports safety efforts, but also results in inefficiencies when drivers that do not present a safety issue are removed from the industry.” It continues, “To ensure that the trucking industry remains safe and unimpaired, there are several actions that must be taken before any federal efforts to legalize marijuana commence.”
Currently there are approximately 3.49 million truck drivers in the US alone, according to data via CDLjobs.com. The referenced Economics and Industry Data report gathered information from 2021. Though this sounds like a huge number, its actually representative of an industry shortage. According to CDLjobs, the industry needs approximately 50,000-60,000 more drivers. Issues behind this situation include a lot of baby-boom-born drivers retiring, and a high turnover rate among workers. Due to the latter, much has already been done to improve conditions, to make driving a more appealing job.
Some specifics of the report on trucking and marijuana
In the report, the RAC points out, that “More than half of all positive trucking industry drug tests are for marijuana metabolite,” and that federal prohibition “has been highlighted as a potential disincentive for drivers to stay in the industry, and it has even been argued that loosening the restrictions on marijuana use would make the industry more attractive and widen the potential labor pool.”
The term ‘marijuana metabolites’ refers to the compounds that are produced when main compounds break down. Some can stay in body tissue for quite a while after use; like days, weeks, or months. This implies that some of these drivers might show positive drug results, when they haven’t used the drug recently. The amount of time for full clearance, depends on the individual person.
At the moment, federal law states that commercial drivers cannot use cannabis at all – zero-tolerance. A host of tests are applied; both before employment, and randomized tests for hired staff. Under current federal law, any use is restricted, whether its use while working, or while off the clock. The drivers are not tested for impairment, however. Which means they can be penalized for a positive test, even with excellent performance.
In terms of what drivers think of all this, the report’s included survey data pointed to 72.4% of (licensed) drivers who want marijuana reform in general, and in this particular industry. 66.5% were for a full federal legalization. 65.4%, regardless of anything else, wanted a fair testing system that looks for active impairment, instead of punishing drivers for what they might be doing off-hours, or which isn’t affecting their performance abilities. They said the urine-based screening currently used, should be replaced for a testing regiment that focuses mainly on impairment.
ATRI explained this issue further, saying “current marijuana testing is likely effective at removing drivers who may work while impaired, it also likely removes drivers who previously used the drug but would not operate a truck while impaired.”
According to the report, how many drivers said its common to leave the trucking industry over marijuana rules? 50.2%. And in terms of how these drivers, who are constantly on the road, look at highway safety in terms of marijuana legalization? 55.4% didn’t think such laws had increased danger on roads to any noticeable degree.
As far as research on the topic, the report points to a lack of concrete information on marijuana’s influence on highway safety. Even a report from Congressional Research Services in 2019 via MarijuanaMoment, couldn’t point to definitive information of marijuana increasing danger on roadways. While this doesn’t indicate it can’t, lets remember that we don’t have to debate whether alcohol causes damage on roads. When something so frequently causes damage, it’s pretty clear.
How many truckers are affected by marijuana laws?
According to Transport Topics, nearly 41,000 drivers got a positive marijuana test result in 2022. This number is a 32% increase from the previous year; and this information was compiled through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. It notes there have been over 100,000 positive marijuana tests since the Clearinghouse began in 2020.
When a driver tests positive, they are barred from driving. They don’t necessarily get fired, but are made to go through a ‘return-to-work’ process, complete with a clean test; before they can start driving again. Consider that this means not getting paid for some amount of time, which impairs the driver’s ability to make an income. This likely relates to why drivers are so willing to leave the job because of marijuana laws.
The Clearinghouse tests for 14 different substances, for which marijuana is responsible for the majority of positive results. Following marijuana are cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines. Together, these four drugs total 90% of positive tests, for which there have been 177,376 in the last three years.
According to Clearinghouse, as of May 1st of this year, 12,527 drivers received a positive marijuana test. The day after (on June 2nd), a final rule was established by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration; working in conjunction. It amends the Department of Transportation’s standard drug testing policy, to now include an oral fluid testing option. This went into effect June 3rd.
Saliva tests have benefits when it comes to marijuana testing. THC is only detectable in saliva for up to around 24 hours; which means this could help stop positive tests for drivers who may have smoked days or weeks prior to testing. It’s a step up, even if it still doesn’t account for the issue of impairment.
How dangerous is it to drive on weed?
The question of whether marijuana impairs driving, is not as conclusive as with other drugs like alcohol. As stated, even a federal congressional investigation couldn’t turn up conclusive results. In fact, some recent research shows not an uptick in impaired driving, but less driving incidences in locations with legalization policies.
I can say for my part that I cannot drive safely on marijuana, so I choose not to do it. For most other people I know, marijuana just makes the drive better, and I haven’t heard of incidences related to impairment. Its possible that unlike with alcohol, those who have an issue with it, probably won’t mix the two. After all, cannabis doesn’t cause the same impairment in thought as drinking does.
Plus, no one questions whether alcohol causes damage on roadways. Too much evidence exists to go against it; and it becomes obvious through personal stories, or stories of friends or community members. If you talk to enough people – and it doesn’t have to be that many – you’ll find someone impacted by drunk driving.
What are some statistics? In the US, there are approximately 29 deaths a day on the roadways due to drunk driving, which indicates a death approximately every 50 minutes. In 2016, the total drunk driving death total came to 10,497, and this accounted for 28% of all deaths on the road. That year, 1,233 children died on the road, and 17% were due to drunk drivers.
Regardless that cannabis shows no agreed-upon increase in issues, and a possible decline in them; many states are adopting drugged driving policies in which drivers who test positive for cannabis, receive a DUI. People who are stopped on roadways usually face blood-tests, which measure the THC in nanograms. Different states have different amounts set for what gets a person in trouble. Much like with truck drivers, a positive test doesn’t mean the driver actually showed impairment.
Conclusion
We rely on the trucking industry to get goods from here to there, and we generally complain when it doesn’t happen in the time frame we desire. It suffices to say that a shortage in truck drivers isn’t wanted by anyone. Hopefully, the new saliva tests will replace the urine tests more often; and that a federal legalization might help ease the restrictions related to truckers and marijuana in general.
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It is a summer of political news, students protests, family gathering and just every day drama – can marijuana help with a temporary break?
This summer will be filled with ongoing political news as the presidential election is in the fall. Add oversees wars and campus protests and conversations with some people could be fraught with drama. And summer is the time of family gatherings, birthdays, weddings or a 4th of July picnic, it can be stressful. Can marijuana give a break from all the drama. The answer is heck yes! And you will feel better than overindulging in booze.
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While taking a break, breathing, or going for a walk can help, sometimes you get overwhelmed. Avoiding putting yourself in these situations by reducing your news and social media input, putting boundaries around certain people and other healthy habits are import, a quick, easy solution is needed in some situations. Cannabis can provide a temporary relief as it is a proven help against anxiety. To use this tool, there are a few things to know and also not to be over reliant on it as a solution.
Part of the way marijuana chills you out with the active cannabinoid THC. It acts through cannabinoid receptors which activates the brain’s reward system. These includes regions that govern the response to healthy pleasurable behaviors. It also adjusts perception of time, which is what makes movies and music sound better as it allows you to stop and really absorb the moment.
The younger generation has taken advantage of consumption methods to have marijuana on-the-go. Vaping is the second, and trends show soon to be first, most popular method of use. Like gummies (the third most popular way to consume), it is easy, discreet and portable for those with an active lifestyle. You can also manage dosing so you are not too high or suddenly have couch lock.
Done right, a high, even a moderate one, can last 2-10 hours. Smoking a joint provides the quickest and most powerful, while a gummy takes 30-45 minutes to kick it, but it is much easier to manage the dosage. Vaping is a way to maintain a steady chill.
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One good thing about taking a “time out” and breathing from the drama, it is a better on our mental and physical health.
One recent survey discovered
- 1 in 5 had lost sleep over politics
- 20 percent reported feeling fatigued because of political news
- 29 percent reported losing their temper over politics
- One quarter said they felt hateful toward those with opposing political views
- More than 20 percent have had political disagreements damage their friendships
However you do it, be mindful of where you are and make sure you don’t let outside forces squash you happiness and enjoyment of each day.
It is a historic move for a country which had prohibition, but consumers are using their wallets to show they support it,
Culture wars have been an American tradition – from the battle over TicTok to the alcohol prohibition in the 1920s. It was said the only thing to come out of the anti-liquor period was it taught good citizens how to break the law. But in general, if the public wants it, the public will have it, legal or not. The perfect is example is the Pornhub ban in Utah and Texas, which has sent VPN sign ups sky high. And consumer spending validates marijuana rescheduling in a major way.
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Some politicians and leaders believe in the nanny state option. Those include a few governors lead by Ron DeSantis, Mitch McConnell, and a few other special interest groups. But the Biden’s administration’s decision to reschedule cannabis lines up with public opinion. Over 85% believe it should legal in some form, and more importantly, they are putting their money toward what they want. Leading analyst firm, BDSA, shared the public’s spending habit’s match their thoughts on rescheduling.
Following the tradition, cannabis sales moved higher again this year. Sales on 20 April 2024 sales were $167M, a 33% increase over the previous year. Trends like California sober are going strong and Gen Z continues to move away from alcohol and move toward marijuana vapes and gummies. Lifestyle habits are starting to adjust slightly away from alcohol and more low alcohol drinks, mocktails, and cannabis eat away at the traditional market. Alcohol is much rougher on the body, so many are opting for a semi-healthier option.
It is a benefit for fully recreational states as even Missouri makes significant tax income on cannabis. Most governors are on board with rescheduling at it is not only the public’s will, but it helps the state’s coffers and actually helps in other areas. Even New York State, with over 1,500 non tax paying illicit stores making money, made some income. They have less than 100 licensed dispensaries generating over $175 million.
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On an interesting sidebar, like holidays, there are some holidays where cannabis use is up. Here are the largest for 2023
- 420
- Green Wednesday
- Black Friday
- St Patrick’s Day
- Veteran’s Day
In comparison, alcohol’s largest days are:
- New Year’s Eve
- St. Patrick’s Day
- July 4th
- Day Before Thanksgiving/ Blackout Wednesday/ Drinksgiving
- Black Friday
Let’s see how the next 12 months works for the industry, the government and the public.
The Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling takes the next step
The Department of Justice is moving marijuana rescheduling to the next step. The administration has proposed moving the drug from Schedule I, a strict classification including drugs like heroin, to Schedule III, which is more on the level of Tylenol. It also marks the federal government acknowledgement the plants medical benefits. The industry will watch over the next few months as the process of moving it forward grinds ahead.
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President Joe Biden announced move on his official account on X (formerly known as Twitter. In a video Biden shared “This is monumental, It’s an important move towards reversing long-standing inequities. … Far too many lives have been upended because of a failed approach to marijuana, and I’m committed to righting those wrongs. You have my word on it.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also released a video Thursday, hailing the progress. It seems she has progressed in her position over the last 5 years.
A key part of the next step is a 60-day comment period. This will allow any and all parties to provide information, opinion, support or random thoughts. Already a group of GOP Senators want to either slow or stop the process. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) has started leading an effort to stall the plan if not outright stop it. They are going against the general public opinion with 85%+ believe it should be legal in some form.
The Drug Enforcement Agency is not 100% on board and there are still hurdles to rescheduling. After the comment person, there could be a review from an administrative judge, which could be a drawn-out process. The total process can take from 3 months to a year, although it is unlikely the issue will not be resolved before the election.
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Considering the stance of the federal government, Senator Mitch McConnell, and certain other opponents, the road is still going to be a bit bumpy. The industry, in an awkward growth mood, is in need of the government not to be a hindrance. But only time will tell.
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