Blowing off Steam in 2016: Marijuana and the Workplace

Since the passing of Amendment 64 in 2012, and the opening of retail marijuana in 2014, Coloradans have enjoyed having a plethora of marijuana products at their fingertips. To some, this is alarming as the ease of access to marijuana leaves an opening for the drug to fall into the wrong hands. Others see the tax revenue and the lowering of marijuana arrests as worth the risk. Either way, it must be acknowledged that times are changing as this aspect of Colorado law remains in place.

For professionals, the legalization of marijuana at a state level leaves things messy. It’s legal for employers to drug test their employees prior to and after hire at any time. However, it’s also legal for 21-year-old adults to enjoy medical and recreational marijuana in their private life. Should employees be able to partake in a drug, even though it is legal?

To examine the morality of this issue, a parallel to alcohol must be addressed. Why is it that we as a society are bombarded with alcohol advertisements and commercials on a daily basis? Why is it that teens dreamed of turning 21 even before marijuana was legalized in Colorado? Alcohol is so prominent in our society that, at times, it can go unnoticed. Actors can drink alcohol in their movies; however, drug use in films must be mentioned and increases the severity of the film rating. Simply put, the stigma of alcohol is almost nonexistent unless abused; the desire to get drunk becomes an aspect of human interaction, while the consumption of marijuana is labeled drug use. With liquor stores within miles of each other, is it really just to criticize the legalization of marijuana as making it “too easy” to access? With this in mind, why can employees enjoy a beer or five when they clock off, and not take a puff of a joint? Is it possible that we can live in a world where marijuana and alcohol are treated as equals, and accepted into society as willingly?

With the new advancements in marijuana products, and the variety that they give to the consumer, the stigma of marijuana smoking can be reduced. Edibles, hand-held wax pens, and even THC capsules can be consumed in a way that’s discreet and less damaging to the lungs. An undeniable comparison, there are even THC-infused beverages! So what’s really worse: a beer or a soda containing marijuana? The effects of each can be compared, but the heart of the issue becomes marijuana’s social reputation. With the connotations that society has imposed, marijuana is associated with people who are going nowhere. It is deemed an immature, stinky act that robs you of your brain cells. Alcohol is a social lubricant, while marijuana is a drug. If we viewed both alcohol and marijuana with the same lens, perhaps one day we would be able to uphold the responsibility of the consumer with the same weight. When it comes to the workplace, one has a mind to say they don’t want a stoner running a corporation, or allow a lawyer to smoke on her break. But when consumed outside of work, could it be possible that one day cannabis would be acceptable? As more states continue to legalize marijuana, it will integrate into society, arguably at the same level that alcohol is accepted. With time, and the touted benefits ofl marijuana, the roar of this social issue will likely decrescendo to a murmur, and people will be able work hard in their professional life, and get baked in their personal life.