5% of Australian Workers Use Cannabis Weekly, With Significant Work Absences

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.

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.

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 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.

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.