Bimonthly News Update

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.

*Disclaimer: Articles and links within articles below do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

PDFNJ hosted a webinar on April 14th about medical marijuana in the workplace. A recording and a copy of the slides can be viewed here. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Lillis, Drug-Free Workplace coordinator: bill@drugfreenj.org or 862-253-6808.

• A lot of New Jerseyans are Drinking at Home During Work Hours

While New Jerseyans are working from home, a good number of them are drinking, too. According to a survey done by Alcohol.org, 35% of people working from home in New Jersey are drinking during work hours.

• Will Marijuana be Legalized in New Jersey in 2020?

New Jersey residents will now get to decide whether marijuana should be legalized in the Garden State on the 2020 ballot.                                                                                   

• Cory Booker Says Medical Marijuana Access Should Be Prioritized Amid Coronavirus

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said on Wednesday that access to medical marijuana for patients should be prioritized amid the coronavirus pandemic.                          

• Let sick people grow their own weed at home, N.J. medical marijuana industry advocates say

The state Health Department this week amended the medicinal marijuana program to serve patients and inhibit the spread of the coronavirus by letting dispensaries make curbside sales and cutting the registration fee for caregivers to $20.

• Word Health Organization urges restrictions on alcohol sales amid pandemic, warns drinking can make coronavirus worse

In a statement this week, WHO’s Regional Office for Europe said that alcohol consumption “compromises the body’s immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.”                                                         

• Suicide, overdose deaths: Coronavirus will have indirect fatalities

Mental health experts have been warning about the increased risk of suicides as well as drug overdose deaths as a result of the coronavirus pandemic

• COVID-19 & workplace drug testing

In the case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Quest has taken several measures to bolster our preparedness.

• Why COVID-19 Is Hitting Drug Addicts So Hard

People with serious drug problems are particularly at risk of coronavirus because of underlying health problems, but also because normal treatment options are being cut off

• Coronavirus: Is Cannabis an Essential Business Right Now?

As we’re in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, there is a lot of discussion over what’s essential versus non-essential in the business world.                                       

• Coronavirus Upends Marijuana, Psychedelics and Drug Reform Ballot

Measures Marijuana and drug policy reform advocates came into 2020 believing it would be a big—and perhaps unprecedented—year for legalization and decriminalization measures on state ballots.

• Why are Liquor Stores and Marijuana Dispensaries Considered Essential Businesses?

As nonessential businesses shutter in nearly every state plus the District of Columbia to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many liquor stores and cannabis dispensaries are making use of key exemptions to remain open and carry on with their operations.         

• Cannabis Edible Sales Surge Amid Coronavirus, Report Says

More people who are legally buying marijuana products for recreational or medicinal use during the coronavirus pandemic are choosing drinks and edibles over smoke, a study shows.                                                                                                          

• Marijuana sales up 50% in New York City amid coronavirus pandemic, dealer says

Since the coronavirus hit, sales of marijuana have gone through the roof in both the United States and Canada. Between March 16 and 22, sales of recreational cannabis rose by 50 percent across states including California, Colorado and Oregon, while medical marijuana sales jumped 41 percent from the same period a year ago.                             

• Worker Fired by Amazon for Medical Marijuana Wins Key Decision in Federal Court

A former Amazon warehouse worker who sued the company after allegedly being fired over his use of medical marijuana is better positioned to win the case following a procedural ruling by a federal judge on Thursday

• Weed in the Workplace: Culture of impairment growing, costly habit for employers

Illicit drugs are increasing in the workplace, and marijuana is leading the way

• Bill Current on Post-Accident Drug Testing and Cannabis Legalization

On our latest episode of the EHS on Tap podcast, we discussed a persistent problem for occupational health and safety managers—post-accident drug testing.

• NIOSH requests input on Workplace Supported Recovery Programs

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is seeking comment on an agency plan to conduct research and develop resources on Workplace Supported Recovery Programs, which assist workers and employers affected by the nation’s opioid epidemic and other substance misuse disorders.

• Netflix’s ‘How to Fix a Drug Scandal’ Story: 5 Fast Facts

On April 1, 2020, Netflix released its latest true crime series, “How to Fix a Drug Scandal.” The story is complex,..covering the crimes of Sonja Farak…and the length of time she was consuming drugs at the workplace.

• National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week Celebrates Its 10th Year

This week, March 30 through April 5, 2020, is the 10th, a yearly observance organized by NIDA in partnership with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

• Professional offers tips to aid in identifying substance abuse disorder in the workplace

A former addict turned substance abuse professional discussed how to recognize the signs of substance abuse disorder in the workplace at a recent Ontario construction Leadership Conference

• Drug and alcohol policy checkup time

Alcohol and other drug abuse affect the profitability of a company. It impacts absenteeism, tardiness and productivity rates; workman’s compensation claims; and the overall climate of the workplace.

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