Summary
- Examines how expanding state-level legalization and cultural acceptance of marijuana are creating confusion for CDL drivers while federal DOT drug testing rules remain unchanged.
- Explores the growing impact of marijuana and CBD-related positive drug tests on driver availability, recruitment, and retention amid an ongoing driver shortage.
- Highlights what fleets can do now, including stronger education, clearer messaging, and streamlined onboarding processes, to protect safety and retain qualified drivers.
With federal regulations still prohibiting marijuana use for commercial drivers, carriers face difficulties in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, retaining drivers, and ensuring safety.
The trucking industry faces a new challenge as marijuana legalization expands: a significant increase in positive drug tests among drivers. This trend affects driver availability and raises concerns about safety and regulatory compliance. With the current lack of reliable impairment tests for marijuana, trucking companies struggle to manage these issues while maintaining a stable workforce.
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In this article, originally published in two parts in FleetOwner, Fleetworthy’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mike Precia covers key challenges in today’s landscape of marijuana use in the transportation industry.