American Trucking Associations Propose Policies for Legal Cannabis

The American Trucking Associations is endorsing policies to help the industry operate while states legalize cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. The trade association is calling on the government to continue allowing for cannabis testing for employees and roadside tests for drivers, in addition to lifting federal restrictions on cannabis research, and the creation of a “marijuana victim’s compensation fund.”

The ATA says that loosening federal restrictions on research would allow for studies that focus on the impact of cannabis-impaired driving.

“ATA has long been an advocate for reducing impaired driving – in all its forms – so it only makes sense that we would call upon state and federal governments to consider the impact of increased use of marijuana on our roadways.” — ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, in a press release

The compensation fund would be paid for by cannabis industry operators, such as dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers. 

According to a Transport Topics report, the policies were developed by the ATA’s Controlled Substances, Driver Health and Wellness Subcommittee. The ATA has previously called on the government to allow alternative drug testing methods, backing the creation of a national database for positive alcohol and drug test results, and strengthened anti-impaired driving laws.

“This policy allows us to, while recognizing that the modern world is changing, advocate for strong, safety-oriented policies backed by sound science and data,” Spear said in a statement.

According to the ATA, more than 93 million Americans live in a place with legal adult-use cannabis.