Bimonthly News Update

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

We encourage you to share this bimonthly news update with your colleagues and business associates to stay informed on the issues regarding establishing and maintaining a drug-free workplace. A sign-up link can be found at the bottom of this issue for anyone interested in becoming a new member of Drugs Don’t Work in NJ and to directly receive these free updates.

PDFNJ will be hosting a FREE webinar Thursday, September 24, at 11am - "Athletes and Opioids: The Impact and Risks". This webinar is open to any NJ business, so we strongly encourage you to share this information with business associates. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Lillis, Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator, at bill@drugfreenj.org or 862-253-6808.

• Positive drug tests for employees hit 16-year high as marijuana legalization expands: report

As recreational marijuana legalization has expanded to 11 states plus the District of Columbia, positive workplace drug tests have reportedly climbed to a 16-year high. 

• Marijuana Groups Launch Campaigns to Reach Voters

Both supporters and opponents of legalizing marijuana agree biggest challenge will be trying to reach as many voters virtually as possible. 

•  NJ marijuana legalization: Ocean County freeholders to just say no

When New Jersey voters are asked this fall to decide on a state constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana and regulate its sale, the Ocean County Board of Freeholders want them to just say no.                           

• Pennsylvania governor calls for legal weed to fix money woes. Murphy leaves it out of his budget address

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf urged his state’s Legislature to allow recreational marijuana sales for people 21 and over, saying the state could use the tax revenue to support small businesses as the economy struggles due to the coronavirus outbreak.   

• With cannabis legalization on the ballot, towns are weighing their options, experts say

The 90-minute webinar, “Cannabis Legalization and Your Town” presented by The BGill Group, examined the state of efforts to pass the upcoming ballot referendum on adult-use cannabis legalization, the state of the medical cannabis program during the pandemic, potential tax and employment benefits and issues for municipalities, and whether cannabis companies can force their way into town.                                         

• Effects of Cannabis Use on Workplace Productivity

As cannabis culture is gaining increasing acceptability globally, the effects it will have on the workplace need to be considered seriously.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Guidelines for Hair Drug Testing

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), proposed scientific and technical guidelines for hair drug testing in federal workplace drug testing programs in the Federal Register on September 10, 2020.                                                                                           

• EEOC guidance looks at employee opioid use

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently released technical assistance to clarify employees’ rights and responsibilities for individuals who use and misuse opioid drugs. 

• Hampshire HOPE: Toolkit aims to help employers, business owners navigate opioid epidemic

Inspiration for Hampshire HOPE’s workplace toolkit project now nearing fruition came during trainings for local employers, managers and business owners on how to use the life-saving overdose reversal drug Narcan.                                                                    

• Readout from the White House National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Event

Today, First Lady Melania Trump and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) partnered together to host “Recovery at Work: Celebrating Connections” in recognition of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  

• Samantha Lewandowski on Creating a Recovery-Friendly Workplace

The key to helping people with substance abuse disorders is providing workplaces that don't shame or stigmatize. 

• How Would You Know Someone is Struggling with Addiction?

As addiction becomes a more serious medical problem every year, it is important for every one of us to be taught how to recognize it.

• Red flags that your coworker has fallen prey to addiction during the pandemic

Even with the country reopening, many workers and employers are trying to cope with a side effect of the pandemic: a flare-up in alcohol and drug abuse among colleagues.

Click the button below to receive your complimentary biweekly updates and become a Drugs Don't Work in NJ member