News the Trump administration could soon reschedule marijuana to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act has the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) very concerned over transport and work safety issues.
In September last year, Donald Trump gave indication he would back the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III.
“As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws,” he said.
In recent days, reports have been swirling that this change might be imminent. And while it certainly has many supporters, there’s some stiff opposition as well.
The National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) is among the groups opposed seeing marijuana rescheduled without further adjustments. The NDASA’s mission is to advocate for safe and drug-free workplaces and communities through legislative advocacy, education, training and excellence.
The organisation warns rescheduling could have “catastrophic consequences” for the safety of the United States workforce and transportation sectors.
“Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III will dismantle critical safety measures that have protected our roads, airways, and communities for decades,” said NDASA’s Emilee Avery. “The guardrails implemented under President Reagan’s administration 30 years ago have been instrumental in ensuring that safety-sensitive positions, such as truck drivers, school bus drivers, and airline pilots, remain drug-free. This decision threatens to undo all of that progress.”
NDASA says marijuana use is strictly prohibited for employees in safety-sensitive roles under current Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Pre-employment and random drug testing are also required to ensure ongoing compliance. But it states rescheduling will see testing requirements eliminated.
“This is not just a workplace issue—it’s a public safety crisis waiting to happen. The lives of schoolchildren, commuters, and airline passengers are at stake.”
A 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. Without it, employers will find it difficult to fulfil their responsibilities to provide a safe workplace.
The NDASA has hosted a national conversation to further discuss the public safety implications surrounding the rescheduling of marijuana.
