A new report from two trucking industry companies highlights a growing problem in the field: a serious shortage of drivers, estimated at around 80,000 last year. One of the key reasons behind this, the report says, is the number of drivers testing positive for cannabis under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) strict drug policies.
The paper— “Cannabis, Compliance and Driver Retention”—was produced by Fleetworthy and FreightWaves. It explains that most qualified drivers are being sidelined due to positive drug test results, often because they are unaware that federal rules don’t recognize cannabis legalization in individual states.
As more states move to legalize cannabis and its use becomes socially acceptable, the trucking industry faces new challenges in managing safety regulations. The report also discusses the rise of CBD and cannabis-based products and how current DOT rules haven’t adapted to reflect today’s legal landscape.
Under current DOT guidelines, truckers are tested for drugs before employment, randomly while on the job, after accidents, or when there is suspicion of impairment. If a driver fails a test, they are immediately taken off the road and must go through a process that includes evaluations, follow-up testing, and counseling. While some states, like Minnesota, offer protections for first-time offenses, the process often ends careers.
When a driver is removed, companies lose experienced personnel and must invest heavily in recruiting and training replacements, which increases costs and stress on the system.
The report suggests that reclassifying cannabis under federal law—from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance—could help, especially by reducing stigma and acknowledging its medical use. However, such a change wouldn’t automatically affect DOT testing requirements, since driving is a high-risk job.
To help reduce the impact on drivers and improve retention, the report recommends increasing education around cannabis policies, offering better training, and updating testing methods. For instance, improved CBD labeling could help drivers avoid accidental THC exposure. More accurate drug tests, such as those using hair and saliva samples, could also be fairer than the standard urine tests, which can detect drug use long after the effects have worn off.
Though oral fluid testing was approved by DOT policy changes in 2023, the system isn’t fully operational yet due to delays in certifying testing labs.
Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the importance of keeping the conversation going among trucking companies, government bodies, and drivers to find practical solutions that balance safety and fairness.
Federal reforms to align state policies with federal law would allow more truckers to retain their jobs while benefiting from the cannabis products sold by licensed companies like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) and other domestic firms.
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