There is a lot of confusion about THC drug tests, especially with the ever-moving goalposts on states that legalize marijuana use, medical marijuana use, and the fact that some employers are reducing their THC drug test policy because they’re struggling to find workers. But, the sad reality for the majority of us is that we eventually will have to face an employment-based THC drug test.

According to NOLO, a Berkeley-based publisher that produces DIY legal books,  these are the top reasons that employers use THC drug tests:

●     To qualify for workers' compensation discounts. Many states offer employers a discount on their workers' compensation insurance premiums if they take certain steps to maintain a drug-free workplace, which may include testing job applicants.

●     To avoid legal liability. If an intoxicated employee harms someone on the job, the employer could be legally liable for those injuries. Workplace drug and alcohol use may also violate OSHA and state occupational safety laws.

●     To maintain productivity and save money. According to the federal government, drug and alcohol use takes a toll on the American workplace. Problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse cost $80 billion in lost productivity in a single year. Employees who use drugs are three times more likely to be late to work, more than three-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, and five times more likely to file a workers' compensation claim.

While those are all fiscal reasons that relate to companies’ bottom line (and thus why they’re likely most important), there are a few other reasons that businesses may use THC drug tests.

●     To protect the company’s reputation: Let’s hypothetically say that a company doesn’t have a drug testing policy in place, and someone has a workplace accident then later tests positive for drug use. Things get ugly, and a lawsuit pops up. Not only will there be the immediate financial impact for the legal fees involved, but there could also be resulting financial impacts from investors pulling out or customers leaving the business. Additionally, a business with a bad reputation could have a hard time finding top-tier employees.

●     To help its employees + maintain good standing in the community: This applies because a THC drug test is usually a part of a larger panel on a comprehensive drug test. While some still have a negative opinion of marijuana, it’s becoming more and more accepted in many places. This is not the case for ALL drugs, however (especially opiates thanks to the current opioid crisis). As such, many companies want to maintain good standing within their community, and one of the ways to do so is through drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Of course, the companies can’t determine who might need to undergo rehab without drug testing the employees. So even if you only use weed, you may be subject to a THC drug test by default because it’s included on the wider panel.

Regardless the reason, if you need help detoxing for an upcoming THC drug test, we can help. Contact us to learn more about our THC Detox Kit.