Cannabis is now legal in many states for medical or recreational use. As laws have changed, so has public opinion, and usage. But what does this mean for the American workforce?
Understanding cannabis use at work is important for both safety and productivity. While off-the-clock use may be legal in some states, certain jobs come with safety rules, federal laws, or company drug policies that still apply.
Let’s take a closer look at how common cannabis use is across U.S. industries, based on recent data. The numbers may surprise you.
Overall Use: A National Snapshot
Across the U.S., about 10.7% of working adults said they used cannabis in the past 30 days. This data comes from surveys done between 2016 and 2020 across 15 states.
That means more than 1 in 10 workers have used cannabis recently. But the rates vary widely depending on the type of job.
Industries with the Highest Cannabis Use
Some jobs are linked to much higher rates of cannabis use. These usually involve flexible schedules, younger workers, or fewer federal restrictions.
1. Food Services and Hospitality
- Over 17% of workers in restaurants, bars, and hotels reported using cannabis.
- Late shifts, job stress, and relaxed dress codes may be part of the reason.
- Many workers in this sector are under 30, a group more likely to use cannabis overall.
2. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
- Around 20% of workers in music, film, sports, and related fields use cannabis.
- Creative jobs often have a more relaxed culture and fewer safety-related rules.
- Freelancers and gig workers may face less routine drug testing.
3. Construction and Extraction
- Cannabis use in this group was over 12%.
- This includes building trades, demolition, and jobs involving heavy equipment.
- Despite safety concerns, cannabis use remains above the national average.
4. Retail Trade
- Roughly 11%–13% of retail workers reported recent use.
- Jobs here often involve young, part-time staff or short-term employment.
- Fewer benefits and lower wages may also play a role in higher use rates.
Industries with the Lowest Cannabis Use
Jobs with strict safety standards or federal oversight tend to have lower cannabis use. Testing and legal restrictions still play a large role here.
1. Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Cannabis use is among the lowest, around 3.4%–5%.
- Doctors, nurses, caregivers, and support staff often face random drug testing.
- Patient care, safety, and medical ethics discourage use.
2. Finance and Insurance
- Workers in banks, investment firms, and insurance report lower rates, about 4%–6%.
- Many of these jobs have office-based roles and formal company policies.
- The risk of job loss may deter use.
3. Education Services
- Cannabis use in this sector is under 6%.
- Teachers, school staff, and university employees are often held to higher standards.
- Many are public employees with restrictions under state or local law.
4. Public Administration
- This includes police, fire, military, and government office jobs.
- Usage rates are low, usually under 4%, due to strict federal rules and background checks.
- Many federal workers must follow a zero-tolerance drug policy.
Middle-of-the-Road Sectors
Some industries fall closer to the national average of 10.7%.
1. Manufacturing
- Cannabis use is typically between 7%–10%, depending on the role.
- Some factory jobs require operating machinery or working in teams.
- Drug testing is more common in high-risk production areas.
2. Transportation and Warehousing
- Use is often around 5%–8%, but the stakes are high.
- Jobs like truck driving, train operation, or air travel fall under Department of Transportation (DOT) rules.
- Even legal cannabis use in your free time can still lead to penalties here.
Testing Trends: What the Labs Say
Data from Quest Diagnostics, a major drug testing company, also reflects this shift:
- Positive drug tests for cannabis rose 10.3% in safety-sensitive roles from 2020 to 2022.
- Among general workforce testing, cannabis positivity was 4.3% in 2022, the highest rate in 25 years.
- Post-accident testing showed higher rates of cannabis positivity, raising concerns about judgment and coordination.
This doesn’t mean everyone who tests positive was under the influence at work, but it highlights how cannabis remains a concern in job safety discussions.
Legal vs. Workplace Rules
Even if cannabis is legal in your state, that doesn’t mean it’s allowed at your job.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Federal workers and those in jobs regulated by DOT still cannot use cannabis, even in legal states.
- Private companies can still have drug-free workplace policies and test employees.
- Some states protect off-duty use, but many do not. You could still lose your job after a positive test.
If you use cannabis, even on weekends, it’s important to know your employer’s policy and how long cannabis can stay in your system.
Key Takeaways for Employers and Workers
For Employers:
- Understand your state’s cannabis laws and how they apply to your industry.
- If safety is a concern, create clear policies on cannabis use.
- Don’t rely on assumptions. Stay up to date on drug testing trends.
For Workers:
- Cannabis use can affect your job, even if it’s legal in your state.
- If you’re in a safety-sensitive job, know the rules before you use.
- Talk to your HR department if you have questions about your rights or risks.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis use among U.S. workers is growing, but not evenly across all industries. Jobs with flexible culture or younger workers show higher use. Roles with safety risks, federal oversight, or strict policies show lower rates.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Highest use: Arts & entertainment, food services, construction
- Middle use: Manufacturing, transportation, retail
- Lowest use: Healthcare, education, public service
As workplace drug rules continue to evolve, both employers and employees must stay informed. Knowing the data, and how it applies to your job, can help avoid confusion, risks, and legal trouble down the road.
Let me know if you want a chart or infographic version of these industry numbers!
