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Off-duty marijuana use can jeopardize your employment

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On December 6, 2018, recreational cannabis use became legal in the state of Michigan. But, there are still are restrictions. Marijuana can be possessed up to 10 ounces at home and 2.5 ounces away from home. It can be grown, but no more than 12 plants. It can be consumed, but only on private property, never publicly.

How does this impact job seekers? While marijuana use is legal recreationally and medically, job seekers may still face a roadblock toward employment. If someone is unable to pass a drug test, that could prevent them from a career in several well-paying industries such as manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and construction.

Continue reading for more information on some of the potential barriers faced if someone consumes marijuana:

 

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When applying for a job, keep in mind, marijuana can stay in the system for up to 30 days after last use. The longest reported detection time recorded was up to 90 days after last use. If you’re in the process of searching for a job, it’s recommended to stop marijuana consumption as it will affect any drug testing.

High paying industries, for instance the construction skilled trades, have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use. Marijuana consumption can affect long term salary earnings in well paying industries.

While medical marijuana use and recreational marijuana use are both legal in the State of Michigan, it remains illegal at the federal level. Jobseekers and workers may risk job loss or revocation of job offers if they test positive for marijuana use.

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places all substances regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules. Currently, marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 substance making it illegal under federal law.

Depending on company policy, randomized drug testing may take place. This may mean off duty marijuana use could result in termination.