Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. The goal of every employer is to provide their employees with a safe work environment. Not only is a safe workplace important for the safety and well-being of employees, but it also helps to avoid liability issues; not to mention the fact that it can help to increase productivity, as people tend to work more effectively and efficiently when they feel safe and know that they’re employers have their best interest in mind. Of all the different ways that business owners aim to ensure the safety of their employees, drug testing is one of the most common methods that are used. Drug testing may be done for new hires only, or they may be done randomly, and in both cases, the goal of this type of testing is to ensure that workers are focused and have a clear presence of mind. While it’s completely understandable to test employees for certain types of drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and other kinds of hard substances, as they have an undeniable impact on the overall health, well-being, and functionality of individuals, there are certain kinds of drugs that really aren’t that big of a deal; marijuana for example. The perception about marijuana has shifted in recent years. Thanks to new legislation that has legalized the use of marijuana for both medicinal use, as well as recreational use in some locations, many people are not only has there been a huge increase in weed use, but it’s also just become a lot more acceptable and commonplace in society. <!-- wp:para