Report says workplace intervention 'imperative' to address problematic cannabis use
Recent and frequent cannabis users are "disproportionately prone" to workplace absenteeism, according to a U.S. report.
The study, which was published recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analysed the data on 46,499 full-time workers in the 2021 and 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
"Individuals with recent and frequent cannabis use and CUD (cannabis use disorder) are disproportionately prone to workplace absenteeism," the study said.
According to the findings, individuals who used cannabis in the past month had a "higher incidence of missed workdays due to illness/injury and skipping work."
Individuals who used cannabis in the past month for three to five days, six to 19 days, and 20 to 30 days were each associated with a higher incidence of missing work due to illness/injury compared to those who did not use cannabis.
These employees were also more likely to skip work compared to those who did not use cannabis in the past month, according to the report.
Impact of CUD on employees
Meanwhile, individuals diagnosed with CUD were also associated with a higher incidence of skipping work and missing work due to illness or injury.
"The study's findings provide new evidence supporting associations between recent and frequent cannabis use and increasing CUD severity with workplace absenteeism," says the study “Cannabis Use, Use Disorder, and Workplace Absenteeism in the US, 2021-2022.”
"These associations were observed for both missing work due to illness/injury and skipping work, with a dose-response relationship between CUD severity and skipping work."
Workplace intervention 'imperative'
According to the study, the findings call for intervention, even in workplaces, amid the rising prevalence of cannabis use and CUD in the United States.
"These findings underscore the importance of developing and implementing strategies to monitor, screen, and intervene with individuals at risk for problematic cannabis use," the study said.
"To address these issues, workplace prevention programmes focusing on education, screening, and access to treatment are imperative."
