Workers who live in states where cannabis is legal often face a conundrum.
Can they continue using a substance deemed by lawmakers to be fit for public consumption, even if they may have an employer who might drug test? Or do they avoid it all together, because they don’t know what their employer’s drug policy is? And does that policy include only “hard” drugs like cocaine, opioids or methamphetamines, or does it test for cannabis too?
These days, the answer is a lot more flexible than it was even a decade ago. An increasing number of employers are easing their drug testing policies for cannabis, reflecting shifting attitudes toward legalization and workplace inclusion.
According to a comprehensive guide by DDMCannabis, several industries now offer positions where cannabis use is either tolerated or explicitly not tested for.
Jobs in sectors such as hospitality, entertainment, and certain tech roles tend to be more lenient, especially in states where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized.
One of the most tolerant industries for cannabis has been tech, which is usually focused more on what an employee is doing at work with their brain than what they are doing at home with their free time.
Some tech companies have even adopted “don’t drug test” policies to attract talent, emphasize a focus on job performance over substance use, or accommodate existing employee use.
“Jobs in technology, marketing, and creative work tend to focus on talent over testing,” the guide says. “Whether you’re a software developer, graphic designer, copywriter, or video editor, most employers in these fields don’t bother with pre-employment drug testing or random drug testing.”
However, experts caution that even in these environments, employers may still have strict policies against impaired work performance or safety-sensitive roles where testing remains mandatory. Workers should understand specific company policies and local laws, as regulations continue to evolve nationwide.
So where are the safest places to work if you use legal drugs?
... continue reading