The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued several notices and updates regarding the use of recreational marijuana, particularly in light of the recent changes in state laws. These notices and updates address the implications of these changes on transportation regulations, especially concerning safety-sensitive transportation employees.
One of the key updates, published on May 2, 2023, in the Federal Register (88 FR 27596), is the Part 40 Final Rule. This rule revises the DOT’s regulated industry drug testing program to include oral fluid testing. The update is significant as it provides a new method for detecting the use of controlled substances, including marijuana, in safety-sensitive transportation roles like pilots, school bus drivers, and train engineers.
Further, the DOT’s policies on drug testing have been amended to align with these changes. Despite the legalization of marijuana in various states, the DOT maintains strict regulations against the use of marijuana by transportation workers in safety-sensitive positions. This stance is consistent across the United States, regardless of individual state laws legalizing marijuana.
The increasing gap between federal and state policies on marijuana is highlighted in a report by the Congressional Research Service. As of March 1, 2023, 21 states, along with DC, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, have enacted laws allowing the recreational use of marijuana. This creates a complex landscape for federal agencies like the DOT, which have to navigate these varying state laws while upholding federal standards.
In response to these changes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a notice of enforcement policy on March 8, 2023. This policy clarifies the implications of state-level legalization of marijuana on commercial drivers. The FMCSA underscores that a commercial driver’s violation of drug or alcohol regulations, based on “actual knowledge” of offenses like DUI, will be enforced irrespective of state laws on marijuana use.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has also been vocal in the call for federal legalization of marijuana. During a session of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on May 11, 2023, she emphasized the need for updated banking laws that consider the changing landscape of marijuana legalization. This is crucial for ensuring that businesses in states where marijuana is legal can operate effectively under federal regulations.
Overall, the DOT’s notices and policy updates demonstrate a careful approach to balancing state-level legalization of marijuana with federal safety standards in the transportation sector. These updates are crucial for maintaining safety standards while recognizing the evolving legal status of marijuana across various states.
