Among 25,000 Australian workers, 5% used cannabis weekly and those at risk of harm missed nearly 7 extra work days per year, with construction and hospitality workers most affected.
Employers, occupational health professionals, workplace safety advocates, and policymakers weighing cannabis regulation and workplace impacts.
What the researchers found
Weekly cannabis use was reported by 5.0% of workers. Risk of cannabis-related harm was found in 2.2%. Construction and hospitality workers, labourers, and tradesmen had elevated rates. Weekly use was associated with 2.8 additional absent days, while being at risk of harm was associated with 6.9 additional absent days. Key determinants: male, younger, never married, Australian-born, current smoker, heavy episodic drinker.
Why it matters
Cannabis use in the workforce has real economic consequences. Nearly 7 extra absent days per year for at-risk workers translates to significant productivity losses, and the concentration in physically demanding jobs raises safety concerns.
The numbers in context
24,954 workers surveyed. 5.0% weekly cannabis use. 2.2% at risk of harm. At-risk workers: 6.9 extra absent days/year. Weekly users: 2.8 extra absent days. Highest use: construction, hospitality, labourers, tradesmen. Strongest predictor: current smoking status.
How the study worked
Analysis of 2019 and 2022-23 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (N=24,954). Assessed weekly cannabis use prevalence, determinants, and associated work absenteeism. Multivariate regression models identified predictors of use and harm risk.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional — cannabis use may result from, rather than cause, work difficulties. Self-reported use likely underestimates actual rates. Australian context may not generalize. Absenteeism data is self-reported and may have other causes.
How to read the evidence
Large nationally representative workforce survey with multivariate analysis, though cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, using 2019 and 2022-23 Australian survey data.
The bigger picture
The concentration of cannabis use in physically demanding and safety-sensitive industries (construction, trades) is particularly concerning. Combined with significant absenteeism, this supports workplace-specific interventions rather than blanket policies.
Questions still open
- Would workplace drug testing reduce use or just drive it underground? Are there effective harm-reduction approaches for cannabis-using workers? Is cannabis use causing the absences, or are both caused by other factors?
Common questions
How common is cannabis use among workers?
Does cannabis use affect work attendance?
Read the original research
Illicit cannabis use among workers in Australia: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, determinants, and associated absenteeism.
Drug and alcohol dependence, 280, 113057
Citation
Di Censo, Gianluca; Thompson, Kirrilly; Bowden, Jacqueline. (2026). Illicit cannabis use among workers in Australia: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, determinants, and associated absenteeism.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 280, 113057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113057