In a new era where where deregulation of marijuana is a reality in many states, an opioid epidemic is hollowing out blue-collar America, and drivers are feeling more pressure than ever to stay productive, alert and safe, the trucking industry is having to take the drug issue head-on.
From the Pages of Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine:
Amid national trends such as the rapid rise of marijuana legalization and a continuing opioid abuse crisis, trucking faces some disturbing trends of its own.
The stigma around recreational marijuana usage is increasingly fading away and it is even being touted for its medicinal uses. How will a safety-focused trucking industry deal with this new cultural norm?
A recent study found a higher rate of drug use by prospective drivers than was previously believed to be the case.
DOT-required urine testing has known shortcomings, but in an industry faced with difficulty finding and keeping qualified drivers, some worry that stricter drug-testing protocols will only make the situation worse.
Is a single failed drug test or alcohol screening enough reason to terminate an otherwise valued truck driver as a “lifestyle” drug user or unsalvageable alcoholic who must never drive a truck again?
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Jan. 22, 2019: Hauling Cannabis and Cash: New Fleets Serve Exploding Industry
