A new study shows that using cannabis outside of work doesn’t negatively affect how one does their job.
Researchers have found that using cannabis after work hours does not adversely affect employee job performance, according to a study published recently in the journal Group & Organization Management.
The study examined the effect that cannabis use before, during, and after work hours had on job performance as assessed by employees’ direct supervisors.
The authors noted that despite the widespread use of workplace drug screenings, “There is virtually no empirical research exploring cannabis use in relation to the modern workplace.” The researchers examined the task performance, willingness to help colleagues or the organization, and counterproductive work behavior of 281 employees.
“Individuals deciding to consume cannabis after finishing their work may be able to distract themselves from stressful on-the-job issues,” said Bernerth.
“The relaxation induced by cannabis may help employees restore energy spent during the day and they may subsequently return with more stamina to devote to their job once they are back on the clock.” “The findings are obviously consequential for scholars and organizations who believe that all cannabis use negatively impacts workplace behaviors,” added Bernerth.
“Our research suggests there is no evidence that after-work usage compromises work performance as assessed by one’s direct supervisor.” Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that the research calls the usefulness of workplace drug screenings into question.
“Since our study shows that off-the-job cannabis use has little to no impact on workplace performance, organizations will be hard-pressed to provide legally defensible justifications for the continuation of policies prohibiting all forms of cannabis use,” he said.
Original Source: A.J. Herrington , Aug 24, 2020, Study Finds Cannabis Use After Work Hours Doesn’t Affect Job Performance, accessed 25 August 2020, <https://hightimes.com/news/study-finds-cannabis-use-after-work-hours-doesnt-affect-job-performance/>
