Medical and mixed-use cannabis users among employed Americans were disproportionately concentrated in construction and mining industries, though many initial health differences between user groups disappeared after controlling for other factors.
Employers, occupational health professionals, workplace policy makers.
Nearly 1 in 5 US employees reported past-year cannabis use; medical users were disproportionately in construction and mining.
What the researchers found
While some differences in health and work outcomes were initially seen between medical, recreational, and mixed-use cannabis users, several disappeared after controlling for health-related factors. One persistent difference: medical and mixed-use cannabis users were more concentrated in construction and mining industries.
Why it matters
Nearly one in five US employees reports past-year cannabis use. As legalization expands, employers need to understand whether medical and recreational users differ in ways that are relevant to workplace policies and safety.
The numbers in context
Nearly 1 in 5 US employees reported past-year cannabis use. Medical and mixed-use cannabis users were significantly overrepresented in construction and mining.
How the study worked
Analysis of employed respondents from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), comparing medical-only, recreational-only, and mixed-use cannabis users on workplace characteristics and health outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional survey data. Self-reported cannabis use and medical status. NSDUH definitions of medical use may not match state-specific legal definitions. Cannot determine whether industry differences reflect job-related pain or other factors.
How to read the evidence
Moderate - large national survey (NSDUH) with appropriate statistical controls, but cross-sectional and self-reported.
When this study was published
Published in 2018. Workplace cannabis policies have evolved significantly since.
The bigger picture
The distinction between medical and recreational cannabis use is central to workplace policy debates. This study suggests that once health factors are accounted for, the two groups may be more similar than different - except in their industry distribution.
Questions still open
- Why are medical cannabis users concentrated in physically demanding industries? Does this reflect higher injury rates, chronic pain, or different cultural attitudes? Should workplace cannabis policies differ by industry?
Common questions
Do medical and recreational cannabis users differ as employees?
How common is cannabis use among workers?
Read the original research
Comparing medical and recreational cannabis use among employees: associations with health and work-related outcomes.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England), 30(3), 268-276
Citation
Rineer, Jennifer R; Duhart Clarke, Sarah; Cluff, Laurie A; Peiper, Nicholas C. (2018). Comparing medical and recreational cannabis use among employees: associations with health and work-related outcomes.. International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England), 30(3), 268-276. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2018.1465397