Drug testing and medical marijuana cards are tricky subjects. Depending on your career, some people hold back on getting their MMJ cards simply because they’re afraid of random drug testing repercussions. This leaves many medical cannabis users scouring for jobs that don’t drug test, or at least ones that offer protection for MMJ cardholders. But, are there jobs that don’t drug test? Does this even exist? Let’s find out.
Drug Testing and MMJ Cards: What You Should Know
Depending on the state you live in, there is a small chance your state’s MMJ program protects employees at the hiring stage. Some states specifically clarify that a job cannot refuse to hire you merely because you have a medical marijuana card. Thus, a failed cannabis drug test may not prevent you from getting the job once you explain your situation. However, this isn’t the case in every legalized state, and it doesn’t protect you in all circumstances.
Even if a company hires you knowing that you’re a current MMJ cardholder, you still cannot consume cannabis at work or near the workplace. Nor can you be intoxicated during work hours. Any of these offenses are grounds for punishment or even termination if management decides. Just because your job hires you with a medical marijuana card does not mean you have a free pass to smoke whenever you want. And, your company will still subject you to the same drug tests as everybody else.
Unfortunately, this kind of protection still brings about quite a bit of anxiety for those of us who rely on our unique green plant to help us feel our best. No matter what, having these impending drug tests can feel stressful, even if you’re not consuming cannabis at work. That’s precisely why more and more people are searching for jobs who just don’t drug test at all.
So, What Jobs Don’t Drug Test?
Freelancing
As a freelancer, you’re not only in charge of your hours, schedule, and usually pay. You never have to worry about drug testing, either. Freelance jobs—from writing to bookkeeping or developing software—all operate under you and your decisions. Though a bit stressful at times, jobs such as these allow you all the freedom you could want from a career, including enjoying your medical cannabis without worry.
Prepared for a lot of downtime and have a whole lot of self-control? Well then, freelancing can be the perfect solution to your drug test worries. With this kind of job, drug tests simply aren’t a thing.
IT Jobs
Surprisingly enough, statistics show that only about 3% of IT jobs require drug testing. This means that most software developers and even web designers are very infrequently subjected to this kind of testing, making it an overall great option for medical cannabis consumers. Again, as long as it is not influencing your workplace performance, even white color jobs like IT positions likely do not care if you’re an MMJ cardholder.
Of course, this isn’t a guarantee, nor does every IT company share the same position. It’s always best to do your research first, talk to previous employees, and fully understand the company’s drug testing policies before applying.
Managerial Positions
Most of those in the position of management are not subjected to random drug testing, either. About 1-2% of company managers report getting drug tested, and this number ranges across all sorts of career fields.
Many people are under the predisposition that those in management and upper management positions couldn’t possibly be MMJ cardholders. This couldn’t be further from the truth! As long as your medical cannabis use does not interfere with your job performance whatsoever, those holding both managerial positions and MMJ cards shouldn’t have any issue. (Again, every company has a different opinion, though.)
Local Businesses
If you’re searching for jobs that don’t drug test, local businesses are an excellent place to look. Usually, small, family-owned businesses do not have the funds or capabilities to execute standard drug tests, nor are they typically concerned with cannabis use. Of course, this isn’t the case for every company, but it is unlikely that smaller local businesses dedicate funds to regular drug testing. Not to mention, companies like these may have a better, more open-mind about medical cannabis use in the first place. They’re a great place to try, that’s for sure.
Finding What Works Best for You
Of course, we can’t say for certain that every company in these jobs don’t drug test, however, there are definitely some that are a lot less likely than others to do so.
If you’re looking for a new job and you’re worried about your medical marijuana use, always take the time to read up cannabis laws and regulations in your state, as well as how they protect employers. Then, take a look at the company themselves! Usually, finding out this type of information is just a few clicks away. No matter what, being safe and lawful are always the most important factors, and Elevate Holistics is here to help you achieve that.
