Methods Used to Test for Marijuana in the Workplace

Abuse of any substance by an employee can cause a huge issue for employers in terms of employee performance as well as health & safety issues. If an employee is under the influence of drugs such as marijuana, it can lead to injury, damage, poor performance, and can also impact the safety of others. This is why it is important for employers to know their rights and take swift action to determine whether or not an individual has been using marijuana at work.

Marijuana has become a popular recreational drug, and some employees may not think twice about using it. However, at the end of the day, it is a drug that can impair an individual’s abilities. For the safety of the individual and that of others, it is important to know conclusively whether the employee has been using marijuana.

Methods that can be used to test for marijuana in the workplace

There are a number of different methods that can be used to test an employee for the use of marijuana in the workplace. First off, familiarize yourself with your rights based on the state you are in, as they can vary from one state to another. Then, determine the best method of testing; there are a number of options you can consider. This includes:

Carrying out a urine test: This method of testing is one of the most common used by employers. The urine drug test can detect the use of marijuana from anywhere between two and thirty days. It is worth noting, however, that a number of factors can have an impact on how long this drug stays in the system. This includes how often it is used, how much the individual uses, the user’s dietary habits, and the person’s body type.

Using a hair test: Another option is to conduct a marijuana hair test in the workplace. The window of detection is longer with this method of drug testing compared to using a urine sample. With this test, marijuana can be detected from two or three months earlier and in some cases the window of detection is even longer than this. This method of testing is often used by employers at the application stage where a person has been offered employment but needs to go through the screening process.

The testing of oral fluids: Although this method is not as commonly used as the others, you can consider the use of oral fluids in order to test for marijuana. This method is not as invasive as the other two methods. However, the window of detection is far shorter than the others. It detects marijuana if used 24 to 48 hours prior to testing.

All of these three methods can be considered by employers looking to test an individual for marijuana use. No matter which of the three methods you choose, make sure you are not breaching any regulations, otherwise, you could be facing a big problem. Check state regulations with regards to drug testing employees. You can then ensure that you are adhering to official policy and state regulations.

Why testing is so important

In an online news report back in 2015, it was reported that employers were more eager than ever to learn about drug testing employees in the workplace. A conference relating to this issue was held by the Society for Human Resource Management, and the turnout for the event was huge. With marijuana use being such a big problem, employers are increasingly concerned about its effects on individuals, other employees, and the business as a whole.

The use of this drug continues to be an issue, which is why it is important for employers to find out more about getting individuals tested if there is a reason to believe that they are under the influence. This is vitally important because the effects of this drug can seriously impair the abilities of the employee, which means that they could be putting themselves and others in danger. In addition, it could result in damage to equipment as well as damage to the reputation of the business.

Using one of the methods outlined below means that you can quickly and conveniently determine whether an employee has been using marijuana. In order to carry out this type of test, you will need to make sure you use a government-certified laboratory and that you adhere to state regulations.

Peace of mind for employers 

A person that abuses drugs, such as marijuana, and then comes to work can be a huge liability for an employer. The risks and danger levels can vary based on the type of work that the individual does. However, no matter what the individual’s job involves, employers naturally want to ensure that they are not under the influence.

If you have reason to believe that an employee is under the influence of marijuana, carrying out a test can provide valuable peace of mind as well as protection.

There are various different tell-tale signs that can indicate an individual has been using marijuana or another drug. You should make sure that you are familiar with these signs, as this will make it easier to determine whether you have grounds to believe a person has been taking marijuana.