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*Names have been changed for privacy Mike had been one of the most dependable employees at a mid-sized manufacturing company in Ohio for nearly eight years. He was known for arriving early, volunteering for overtime, and mentoring newer employees on the production floor. Over several months, however, his supervisor began noticing changes. Mike was arriving late, making unusual mistakes, and seemed distracted during safety meetings. Coworkers also reported that he appeared unu

Today, “drug-free workplace” policies are so common that many people assume they have always existed. In reality, these policies became widespread only within the last few decades and were shaped by major cultural, political, and workplace changes in the United States. Understanding where these policies came from helps explain why they continue to influence workplaces today. Prior to the 1980s, most employers did not routinely drug test employees. While companies certainly ha

Federal marijuana policy continues to shift in 2026, with lawmakers and federal agencies taking new steps that could significantly impact the future of medical marijuana, workplace compliance, and impaired driving standards. While broader federal legalization remains unresolved, recent developments show that Washington is moving toward a more structured and science-based approach to cannabis regulation. Earlier this year, federal officials advanced a limited rescheduling eff

For Ohio employers looking to improve workplace safety while offsetting costs, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) SUPR Program offers a valuable opportunity that many businesses overlook. The Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR) “Reimbursement Only” level allows eligible employers to receive up to $5,000 annually for qualified workplace substance-use prevention expenses — without the extensive participation requirements tied to premium rebate programs. What

The federal government has taken one of the most significant steps in decades toward changing how marijuana is classified under U.S. law. In April 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that certain marijuana products would be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This decision marks a historic shift in federal drug policy and has sparked national discussion among lawmakers, healthcare

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have served our country, but it’s also widely recognized as the unofficial start of summer. For many employees, the long weekend brings barbecues, travel, and celebrations. However, for organizations with on-call employees, the holiday presents a unique challenge: how to balance time off with workplace safety and accountability. This is where a well-crafted Drug-Free Workplace Policy becomes critically important—especially when it cle