Since the turn of the century, the societal narrative has changed and shifted, now embracing new things that were once shunned Marijuana has been one of many things that fits this bill, and has seen massive pro-marijuana legislation since the early 2000s. The trend that started in the Western US has swept across the country. As of 2025, half of all US states have legalized recreational marijuana and 21 more are on the path of the same legalization. While this is clearly the best encapsulation of shifting American values, it is also a problem on the horizon for American workplaces.
The increased accessibility of marijuana also means increased users of marijuana and a higher frequency of marijuana use. Similarly, the more favorable social attitude towards marijuana means that more are being open about their use of marijuana. In fact, as much as 40% of employees who admit to using marijuana say they are high at work on a weekly basis.
However, legal access and social attitude are not the only reason why marijuana is popping up in the workplace. States like Nevada and New York have passed laws barring pre-employment marijuana testing while states like Illinois and Missouri legally mandate accommodation for people with prescribed medical marijuana. Ultimately, regardless where you are in the US, you need to be on the lookout for weed in your workplace.
Source: US Drug Test Centers
