Showing Posts In "Drug and Alcohol Screening" Category

What Employers Need to Know About Evolving Medical Marijuana Laws in the U.S.

With marijuana laws changing across the country on a regular basis, it is important to understand some of the myths surrounding its use for medical and recreational purposes. Four of the most popular myths include the misconception that medical marijuana is legal nationwide, an employer must accommodate the use of medical marijuana in a state […]

Overhauling Cannabis Workplace Drug Testing: The Shift to Fitness-for-Duty and Post-Hire Testing

Cannabis testing can be tricky since positive results don’t always correlate with recent use. This can lead to issues where zero-tolerance policies exist and cannabis users are disciplined for past use of a legal substance. Employers should aim to maintain safety and productivity, while also creating a fair workplace drug testing process for cannabis.

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Warning Regarding Poppy Seed Consumption and Military Drug Testing

In an effort to protect service members and the integrity of the drug testing programs, the Secretary of Defense is sending out a warning to members of the armed forces to avoid poppy seed consumption. These seeds may be contaminated with morphine and codeine and consumption could lead to a positive urinalysis result of codeine. […]

Employers Have Leeway on Marijuana Policies

Businesses across the country are struggling to understand changing marijuana laws and what can be included in drug screening policies within the workplace. Although guidance can be murky, “each workplace environment is entitled to have and enforce its own policies, especially when it comes to private employers,” according to Michael O’Brien, CEO and general counsel […]

Understanding Workplace Alcohol Testing

There are various types of alcohol testing that are commonly used in the workplace. These include breath alcohol testing; saliva screening, which is instant; oral fluid alcohol testing; blood alcohol testing; urine alcohol testing (ethanol); EtG alcohol testing (urine and hair) and PEth Blood Alcohol Testing. Workplace alcohol testing is often utilized for post-accident and […]

Shy Bladder Guide for DOT Drug Testing: Best Practice Information for the Designated Employer Representative (DER)

DOT and non-DOT employees who suffer from Shy Bladder are provided with water that is to be consumed over a three-hour period. If the three-hour time frame expires and no specimen is able to be provided, a medical evaluation should be obtained within five days to determine if there is an acceptable medical reason. The […]

Pain Relief from Marijuana Comes from a Belief It Helps, Study Finds

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open demonstrates that much of the relief that comes from using marijuana for pain and chronic diseases is from simply believing weed will help. The International Association for the Study of Pain has even issued a statement against the use of marijuana for pain due to […]

Managing Marijuana Use in the Workplace: What’s at Stake for Employers

There is a growing body of evidence about the potential adverse effects of marijuana on health. In fact, one study found that cannabis users were 22 percent more likely to visit emergency rooms for any cause than those who didn’t use marijuana. Some of the more serious psychiatric disorders include an increased risk of schizophrenia, […]

As Employers Prepare for Legalized Marijuana, HR Experts Say Policy and Patience Are Key

Missouri employers are altering drug screening and usage policies in response to the legalization of marijuana. Businesses should create policies that work for the business’s specific needs, rather than relying on blanket policies. The biggest areas that should be reviewed include testing during the hiring process, how to handle suspicion of an impaired employee, and […]

As More States are Legalizing Marijuana, How Should Employers Respond?

HR policies have been heavily influenced by changing marijuana laws. Twenty-one states and territories have now legalized marijuana for recreational purposes and 75 percent of Americans now live in a state where the drug is legal for medical use. Employers across the country are advised to revisit drug and alcohol policies to determine whether they […]