Fabricators share thoughts on medical cannabis in the workplace

If you follow The Fabricator on Facebook, you may have seen the comments left for the post “Medical marijuana in the workplace—yea or nay.” If you had to venture a guess as to which way the majority of followers—mostly fabricators—who commented leaned, which would you pick?

If you chose “nay,” you are correct.

Keep in mind that the topic was physician-prescribed medical marijuana use and not recreational use. Here is a sampling of comments about this topic:

Oliver W. said, “I’ve been in a shop over 20 years now, and I’ve seen a lot of stoners get bit. I remember one that chopped a finger off at 7:05 a.m. after getting to work at 7 a.m. I know he was higher than 10 hippies. Bad enough they hurt themselves, but what about the guy next to them?”

Many others, such as Michael S., agree: “Do what you need to on your time, but not in the workplace. I refuse to work around someone buzzed. I’ve seen too many issues and accidents.”

Vanessa H. said, “HECK NO! Like alcohol or any prescription drug that may cause impairment. And if it must be used on the clock (which I can't see any occasion this would be necessary), it must be reported to the employer and roles assigned accordingly.”

Some commenters agreed with Vanessa that the nature of the work is an important factor. Rusty M. said, I work for the Chicago Transit Authority and not only do we get random drug tests, but we are also encouraged NOT to have any alcohol within eight hours of the start of your shift. I think it all depends on your type of work. Here, it’s about safety around large vehicles and machinery, so there is zero tolerance. I’d assume it’s not so dangerous to be sitting at your desk staring at a computer screen while high as a kite.” (Rusty, I can think of plenty of desk/computer jobs in which drug-induced impairment could be catastrophic.)

And Jody B. lightheartedly heaped some praise on some computer users he believes might indulge: “Cheers to the 12-hours of eyes onscreen CAD guys. Have your edible. I applaud your boosted focus coupled with skilled efficiency. Thank you, and don’t forget to get up and stretch out with a walk more often. Honestly, you spend less time than the coffee addicts running back and forth and bouncing off the walls. Again, thank you.”

Others pointed out that there is a difference between medical cannabis and recreational—one is highly controlled and the other is not. And the medical grade might not produce the “high” typically associated with pot.

M. L. said, “Everyone assumes people are getting high off it. It depends on the type. If it’s CBD, you’re not getting high. I keep over-the-counter CBD muscle rub in my toolbox. It’s legal and nonnarcotic.” She posted this link for clarification.

Kyle Z., summed up what some think, which is what’s the difference between taking medical cannabis and other prescription drugs? “When you say medical cannabis, then it's not up for debate. It's medical and under the doctor's control. What's the difference between a person who has to take blood thinner, or a Tylenol, or any other doctor-prescribed, monitored medication?

“I think [those who oppose it] might mean the recreational use of cannabis that isn't under the control of and monitored by a doctor. Two different things.

“Recreational use isn't medication but for fun. And, sorry, that falls into place with booze on-site, horseplay, or dangerous work practices against regulations.

“So, before anyone hates, understand if it's prescribed by a doctor, what's the difference between taking it and any other medication the doctor gives anyone? If you’re ok with Jo Blo taking Tylenol for a headache, or Jeremy Blueblz taking his EpiPen, or someone taking diabetic shots ... do the research, open your eyes.”

Others commented about how medical marijuana use in the workplace might affect drug testing, including concerns about whether the traditional urinalysis is as effective as a mouth swab at detecting use in a post-accident investigation. I’ll leave that discussion for the experts. I know nothing about such matters.

Medical cannabis is a blip on the radar when it comes to drug use in the workplace, which is a significant problem. In case you missed it, the story of an Ohio factory owner lamenting that she needs and is having a very difficult time finding clean and sober workers has been in the news recently. Regina Mitchell, co-owner of Warren Fabricating & Machining in Hubbard, Ohio, told the New York Times in a story last week that at least four out of 10 job applicants test positive for drug use.