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Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn
In July 2023, the Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress “to prevent prior or current marijuana use from becoming grounds for failing to receive security clearance or for being found unsuitable for federal employment,” according to a press release from Congressman Jamie Raskin.
Introduced by Congressman Raskin (Maryland-08) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (South Carolina-01), “the CURE Act will also allow for someone who has previously been denied a security clearance or a federal job opportunity based on marijuana use the chance to have that denial reviewed,” the press release stated.
“I am proud to partner with my friend Representative Mace to introduce the bipartisan CURE Act that will eliminate the draconian, failed, and obsolete marijuana policies that prevent talented individuals from becoming honorable public servants in their own government,” Congressman Raskin stated in the press release.
“As of April 24, 2023, 38 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of marijuana. As of June 1, 2023, 23 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have enacted measures to authorize and regulate marijuana for recreational adult use,” according to statistics cited in the press release.
However, an article titled “Three Major Reports in 2023 Highlight Current and Future State of Drug Testing” claims that drug abuse is up, positive drug test results are increasing, and the number of companies testing for marijuana is down, and “the finger of blame can be pointed at one main culprit—the legalization of marijuana.”
These trends are found in three major reports on drug testing: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Drug Testing Index (DTI) from Quest Diagnostics, and the Annual Drug Testing Industry Survey from Current Consulting Group (CCG).
“The trend to legalize marijuana corresponds precisely with the trend lines from these three major reports that indicate that substance abuse is here to stay, that drug testing is more needed than ever, and that the decision to drop marijuana from a company’s drug-test panel is ill-advised at best and potentially dangerous and costly.”
“In the final analysis for employers, it comes down to workplace safety and protecting the bottom line. For those reasons, among others, drug testing, and testing for marijuana in particular, should be a part of every company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and productive workplace,” the article by CCG Founder Bill Current concludes.
Employment Screening Resources (ESR) is a service offering of ClearStar, a leading Human Resources technology company specializing in background checks, drug testing, and occupational health screening. ClearStar offers more than 15,000 convenient drug test locations and 3,600 rated clinics. To learn more, contact ClearStar.
NOTE: Employment Screening Resources (ESR) – a service offering of ClearStar – does not provide or offer legal services or legal advice of any kind or nature. Any information on this website is for educational purposes only.
© 2023 Employment Screening Resources (ESR) – A Service Offering of ClearStar – Making copies of or using any part of the ESR News Blog or ESR website for any purpose other than your own personal use is prohibited unless written authorization is first obtained from ESR.
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