Employers face unique challenges with the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey and surrounding states as well as the more prevalent accessibility of other substances that can affect worker impairment. These issues are raising significant safety concerns among employers and may lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. This article tackles these issues head-on from a practical perspective.

Overview of Legalization Landscape and Worker Impairment

Cultural perceptions around marijuana have shifted to a great extent over the past decade alone. As of June 2023, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis use. New Jersey passed its recreational cannabis law, effective Feb. 22, 2021. In states like New Jersey that have fully legalized cannabis use, state legislatures have typically decriminalized the possession of cannabis and permitted its use for recreational and medical purposes. In these states, cannabis may be available to the adult general population for purchase and use with similar restrictions to that of tobacco and alcohol.