Did you ever think that drug testing would shift from a widespread process to a requirement of for getting a high-paying job? According to recent reports, you now have to undergo a drug test even if you are entering a reputable position. Take into consideration how 33 states have accepted medical marijuana in their drug policies, and you may begin to realize why the job of hiring manager is as peaceful as sticking your head in a beehive. However, bizarrely enough, a particularly large percentage of retail workers tested positive for drugs in 2017, making it one of the highest rates on record. Let’s take a closer look at this first-ever industry breakdown of drug testing and see what exactly researchers have uncovered.
To Look or Overlook?
Based on the industry assessment, 2017 marked the highest rate of positive drug tests among retail workers, a record high (no pun intended) for businesses in this sector. Produced by Quest Diagnostics, the study comes on the heels of employers’ decision to ignore positive tests or completely waive these documents to make way for medical marijuana patients (as proven in a recent report from Oregon). Likewise, industries that experienced the highest rates of positive tests (retail, food services, and accommodation) completely loosened drug tests to find additional workers. As James Reidy (a lawyer specializing in labor laws) explains, some of these companies are not safety sensitive anymore.
Thank You, Marijuana and Cocaine
Breaking down the data from Quest Diagnostics, the following results were produced by the study:
- 3% of tests in the retail industry were positive (4.7% increase)
- Retail industry drug tests were the highest among other industries in the study
- Retail drug tests for marijuana boosted from 2.7% to 3.2%
- Retail drug tests for cocaine boosted from 0.14% to 0.2%
Based on the results, the two drugs that caused the most trouble in the workforce were marijuana and cocaine. According to Barry Sample (the senior director of science and technology at Quest Diagnostics), the widespread acceptance of cannabis and recent legalization measures are to blame for the spike in positive drug tests. Likewise, certain laws allow people to smoke the drug (even in states that have not yet legalized the plant). Ultimately, researchers have theorized that retail companies are thinning out drug tests as a result of overwhelming numbers, which could prevent them from hiring more employees.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse, Addiction, and Dependency
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
