How Does Marijuana Use Impact Job Safety?

THC in marijuana affects depth perception, reaction time, coordination, and other motor skills, and it creates sensory distortion. For someone operating machinery, driving a forklift, or delivering products in a vehicle, these effects can be deadly.

According to a study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative. Also impacting the bottom line are:

  • Decreased productivity

  • Increased worker compensation and unemployment compensation claims

  • High turnover

  • Lawsuits