The National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association is very worried about the safety of transport and workplaces after hearing that the Trump Administration could soon reschedule cannabis to Schedule III in the Controlled Substances Act.
Donald Trump hinted in September 2017 that he was for reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to III.
As President, he will focus his efforts on the development of research in order to make marijuana a Schedule III drug and to work with Congress for common sense laws.
Recently, there have been reports that this possible change could be imminent. There are many who support it, but there is also some strong opposition.
National Drug and Alcohol Screening AssociationNDASA( is one of the groups that opposes marijuana being rescheduled with no further changes. NDASA is committed to promoting drug-free communities and workplaces through education, advocacy and excellence.
Rescheduling, warns the organisation, could lead to “catastrophic” consequences for the United States’ transportation sector and workforce.
Emilee Avery of NDASA said, “Rescheduling pot to Schedule III is a step backwards in terms of safety, as it will eliminate critical measures that have safeguarded our airways, roads and communities over the years.” The Reagan-era guardrails have helped ensure that positions with high safety concerns, like truckers, bus drivers and pilots of airplanes, are drug-free. The decision could undo the progress made.
NDASA has stated that the Department of Transportation (DOT), under its current regulations, prohibits employees with safety-sensitive jobs from using marijuana. Random and pre-employment testing is also necessary to maintain compliance. The article states, however, that testing requirements will be eliminated if the schedule is rearranged.
“This is not just a workplace issue—it’s a public safety crisis waiting to happen. Schoolchildren, commuters, airline passengers, and even school staff are all at risk.
AÂ carve-out for DOT safety sensitive positions and federal employees is required before rescheduling says the group, something it has long called for in preparation for such a change. Employers will struggle to fulfill their responsibility to ensure a safe work environment without it.
The NDASA hosted a nationwide conversation in order to discuss further the implications of reclassifying marijuana for public safety.