Why do companys drug test for marijuana?

Question

I mean if you go into work high, I would understand how it would affect your work. But what if you just need a joint after work to get away from all the stress, are you really hurting the company?

Answer 1

Because the US has a drug policy that has been based on ignorance and nonsense since 1914. You can read a good short history of the laws at http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/whiteb1.htm

Also because, years ago, two top government officials on drugs -- Robert Bonner and Robert Dupont -- figured out a way to get rich quick off the drug hysteria. They started a drug testing company and then got their Washington friends to push for Federal laws promoting, and even requiring drug testing. Instant millionaires.

You are correct - there is no real evidence that marijuana is any threat to employers. There is no evidence that testing for marijuana is even worth the cost to do it.

Furthermore, the marijuana smoker is the type of drug user most likely to be caught by drug testing, simply because it stays in the body longer. The biggest threat to an employer would be an employee abusing alcohol. But you can spend the weekend wasted on heroin, meth, and booze, and be in no shape to work, but still test clean by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Neither does drug testing do anything about problems caused by fatigue which, by all accounts, is as big a threat to employers as any of the drugs.

Answer 2

A company may be required by law or its clients to test. A company may do so to avoid possible legal liability, or to lower the cost of health or liability insurance.

For other reason, see the first source.

Answer 3

Because they shouldn't have to sort out when you are smoking it nor should they have to give sobriety tests each time you show up!

It's not a matter of hurting the company, it is simply "do you want the job or not?".