Drugs

Trenton, NJ — Legislation that would provide cannabis workers in New Jersey protections already afforded to other private employees in the state is awaiting the signature of Gov. Phil Murphy (D).

Lansing, MI — Workers who pick, grind and package cannabis are developing job-related asthma, researchers are warning.

Phoenix — The Arizona Department of Transportation will use a state grant to promote safer commercial vehicle travel by providing officers with advanced training to recognize drug and alcohol impairment.

Chicago — A recent study of 246 drivers killed in traffic crashes over a nearly six-year period found that over 40% had active THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis – in their system.

Frankfort, KY — The state of Kentucky is moving to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine, more commonly known as 7-OH, as a Schedule I narcotic and will seek to limit its sale and distribution, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) recently announced.

Washington — Independent owner-operator truckers must participate in Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing programs but aren’t required to complete supervisor reasonable suspicion training because “they do not supervise anyone,” the agency says.

Secaucus, NJ — The percentage of U.S. workers who tested positive for fentanyl in random on-the-job drug tests was seven times greater than the percentage of people whose preemployment tests came back positive, according to Quest Diagnostics’ annual Drug Testing Index for 2024.

Worker advocates are encouraging employers to create a supportive environment for employees in recovery from a substance use disorder.

Washington — A new resource from the National Safety Council is intended to help employers establish an opioid overdose response plan.

Washington — The Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on a proposed rule that would add fentanyl and non-fentanyl to its drug testing panels.