Legality of Marijuana in States Remains Futile with Drivers as DOT Regulations Continue to Be Illegal

Recreational marijuana is now legal in 7 states as well as the District of Columbia, while medical marijuana is legal in another 29 states. However, trucking companies continue to be strict about their zero tolerance policies regarding the substance. This is primarily because marijuana continues to be illegal under federal law and under regulations from the Department of Transportation. Federal regulations prohibit both medical and recreational use which means that even though a driver might be using it legally in a state, they can be fired if they test positive. On the other hand, if drivers drink alcohol they are cleared to drive the next day when the substance leaves the body, while marijuana will not leave the body for a few days. These regulations are impacting the hiring process for companies because not all drivers understand that although it may be legal in your state, federal mandate permits otherwise. Companies that are not in the safety sector have been relaxing their regulations by dropping the marijuana pre-screening drug test. While transportation companies are trying to increase awareness of the federal law. However, the Transportation department is beginning to be pressured to change testing methods since there is no actual way to test if a driver is impaired by marijuana.  Compared to alcohol in which there is an acceptable level, law makers will have to create an acceptable level for the substance. There is still a long way before the DOT changes its regulation, but it is important the drivers understand the current DOT regulations. Read the article from Trucks.com ​