It has been over a year since medical marijuana made its way to workplaces, yet it is still a controversial topic for open workplace discussions and a challenge for employers. While the use of marijuana for treating anxiety has been proven useful time and again, it is essential to remember that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers marijuana an addictive substance despite its considerable acceptance and legalization.
Studies have also shown the effects of marijuana on its users to be more negative in the long term, regardless of its short-term benefits. Research studies have shown negative impacts in the short term as well. For example, workers on medical marijuana have been observed and tested for sedation, lack of concentration, disorientation, slowed cognitive functions, and experiencing more and more severe injuries at work. These workers are also more likely to be absent from work.
The Risks of Medical Marijuana at the Workplace
Besides the employee’s performance using marijuana, workplace safety can also be negatively affected. Responsibilities involving carrying, moving, stacking, and manufacturing objects can make the worker consuming medical marijuana a hazard for themselves and everyone else working on the floor.
The lack of concentration and vigilance can also result in theft at the store and poor record keeping. This can result in inventory shortage and imbalanced books. The employee’s lack of concentration or dissociation can also put off customers. A marijuana hangover can also make working challenging for the employee as well as their colleagues.
How Can Employers Deal With Medical Marijuana for Anxious Employees?
Medical marijuana is taboo in the workplace mostly because it isn’t openly accepted yet. Therefore, dealing with medical marijuana at work can become considerably easier once it is no longer treated as a taboo.
Employers must learn the correct terminology to discuss it with respect and curiosity. Staying updated on the Federal and State laws and guidelines on medical marijuana can help deal with the issue in a way that ensures the comfort of every party involved. Updating the employee handbook and establishing new workplace policies on accidents and issues related to medical marijuana avoids distress later on.
Employers must utilize independent medical examinations to verify the use and dose of medical marijuana for every employee who claims it’s needed. Authorizing anxiety disorder diagnosis, medical marijuana dose, percentage of THC in prescribed marijuana, and method and frequency of its use can also help. Furthermore, employers can also require employees to state the side effects they experience and workplace limitations employers should expect. Employers can also question employees about their experience with other anti-anxiety medications and if the employee has any addiction.
Of course, all health information of employees must be kept confidential. Establishing and maintaining mutual trust is the key to retaining employees. Showing trust to employees allows them to be honest if and when things go out of their hands.
The Solution to Eliminate Medical Marijuana from Workplace
Creating a safe and supportive work environment is the key to strategically eliminating medical marijuana from the workplace. While employers cannot resolve personal and domestic issues faced by employees, turning the workplace into a haven where employees can accomplish long-term goals can significantly improve their anxiety at work and reduce, and ultimately eliminate, their use of medical marijuana at work.
