BACKGROUND  

Reflecting changes in societal attitudes, 24 states, three territories, and Washington, DC, have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, and while there are variations in state laws regarding its use for medical purposes, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana. Changes in marijuana use in the United States affect the public transportation industry regarding the recruitment, retention, training, and disciplinary practices for employees in safety-sensitive positions, such as passenger vehicle operators. Public transportation agencies indicate increased positive test results for marijuana use by prospective employees and by employees who are tested following vehicle incidents. Research into the workforce shortages faced by the transit industry has identified drug testing as a barrier to hiring and retaining transit workers, especially vehicle operators (American Public Transportation Association, 2022).  

OBJECTIVE 

The objective of this project is to provide clear, accurate, and current information related to the use of marijuana by current and prospective employees in safety-sensitive positions at public transportation agencies in the United States. The deliverables should dispel misinformation and help public transportation agencies address challenges in recruiting, disciplining, and retaining safety-sensitive employees. The final deliverable(s) should address:  educational materials, testing methods, employment disciplinary practices, legal analysis of marijuana rescheuling.

STATUS: A research is underway.