Reported workplace injuries, in workers ages 20 – 34 years, increased by 10% after recreational marijuana laws were adopted. In the 2 – 3 years following legalization, reported workplace injures increased for this same age group. This was not the case in older workers who saw a decline in workplace injuries benefits after legalization was adopted.
These are some of the findings released in a research letter, “Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Workplace Injuries Among Younger Workers” by authors (Ling, L. et.al.) published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study was attempting to determine if there’s an association in workplace injuries and legalized commercial adult use marijuana. The authors used historical data (2006 – 2020) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses”.
The authors note that this is a small-scale study (N=632) of state reported injury cases and is limited by the amount of time (years) that has lapsed since legalization was adopted. However, it demonstrates the need for continued monitoring of legal marijuana impacts in the workplace.
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Photo: Unsplash.com / Croes, R.