Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) have significant implications in various aspects of life, including the workplace. A recent study conducted by Kevin H. Yang, MD, and colleagues, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, sheds light on the relationship between cannabis use, CUD severity, and workplace absenteeism in the United States. This analysis provides critical insights into how cannabis consumption affects work productivity and highlights the need for strategic workplace interventions.

Cannabis Use and Its Prevalence

Cannabis use is widespread in the U.S., with approximately 23% of adults aged 18 or older, equating to about 58.8 million people, having used cannabis in the past year. This prevalence is rising due to more permissive laws, reduced stigma, and expanding medicinal applications. Despite some using cannabis without major harm, others experience adverse effects, including cognitive impairments, psychiatric symptoms, and increased healthcare utilisation. Notably, 18% to 26% of cannabis users develop CUD, affecting 6.9% of adults and leading to significant comorbidities and impaired quality of life.

Study Methodology

The study analysed data from the 2021 to 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which included 46,499 full-time employed adults. Using negative binomial regression, the study examined associations between cannabis use recency, frequency, CUD severity, and workplace absenteeism, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other substance use. The analysis focused on self-reported missed workdays due to illness/injury and skipped work in the last 30 days.

Key Findings

The study found that 15.9% of full-time employed adults used cannabis in the past month, with 6.5% meeting CUD criteria. Past-month cannabis use and higher frequencies of use were linked to increased absenteeism due to illness/injury and skipping work. A dose-response relationship was observed between CUD severity and absenteeism, with severe CUD significantly increasing the likelihood of missing work.

For instance, individuals with mild CUD had an adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) of 1.60 for skipping work, while those with severe CUD had an aIRR of 2.87. These findings emphasise that both the recency and frequency of cannabis use are influential factors in workplace absenteeism.

Economic Impact of CUD

CUD imposes a substantial economic burden, costing the U.S. employer-sponsored insurance population an estimated $4.7 billion annually in medical expenses. Cannabis use is also associated with broader economic and social challenges, such as unemployment and lost productivity, underscoring the need to understand its workforce implications fully.

Implications for Workplace Policies

The study’s findings highlight the necessity of developing comprehensive workplace prevention and intervention programs. These programs could include education, screening, access to treatment, and employee assistance initiatives. Studies have shown that having written policies on substance use and providing education can reduce cannabis use among workers. Similarly, workplace drug testing has been associated with decreased cannabis use.

This study presents compelling evidence of the relationship between cannabis use and workplace absenteeism, emphasising the need for targeted interventions and workplace policies to mitigate cannabis use’s negative impacts on productivity. As cannabis use continues to rise, employers and policymakers must address these challenges to enhance employee well-being and workplace efficiency.

Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine