Drug use among commercial truck drivers may be at its highest level since 2019, and the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) wants to know why. To that end, it asks carriers a series of questions about safety and other concerns related to state-level marijuana legalization.

Previous ATRI studies have shown a correlation between an increase in drunk drivers and laws legalizing recreational marijuana, now the Atris Research Advisory Committee will take a closer look at recreational marijuana.

December 2022 dates from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse tested positive and refusals to take a drug test are up 18% to 69,668, compared to 59,011 last year.

Most of the increase was attributed to violations related to marijuana, the substance most commonly identified in positive tests. Weed violations increased by 31.6% to 40,916 in 2022 compared to 2021.

In fact, positive drug tests reported to the clearinghouse in 2022 increased for 12 out of 14 substances tracked by the database, with only hydrocodone and heroin showing a decrease. reported cargo waves.

“While the numbers are a little staggering, it’s clear that the clearing house is working as intended,” Fr. Sean Garney, co-director of Scoplitis Transportation Consulting, told FreightWaves.

Specifically regarding marijuana, FreightWaves noted that legalization of cannabis could be a factor, although it’s still illegal under federal law. Commercial truckers who are in possession of a legally issued medical marijuana permit can be forced to choose between their work and their medical cannabis needs.

Shortage of truck drivers

In the meantime, testing cannabis contributes to the growing shortage of truck drivers. In the past year, a record number of truck drivers lost their licenses after testing positive for cannabis, and many are not taking the necessary steps to get them back. This could accelerate the ongoing shortage of commercial drivers, thereby exacerbating supply chain challenges in the US