Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Prompts Safety Warnings for Employers
The National Safety Council (NSC) warns that evolving federal cannabis policy must be paired with strong impairment and safety controls to protect workers in safety-sensitive roles.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 19, 2025
As federal officials move to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act, the National Safety Council is urging employers and policymakers not to lose sight of workplace safety — particularly in safety-sensitive industries.
In a recent statement, the council emphasized that cannabis use can impair judgment, reaction time, and motor coordination, creating significant risks for workers who operate vehicles, machinery, or perform other high-hazard tasks. While rescheduling could expand research and align federal policy with evolving state laws, the organization cautioned that impairment on the job remains a serious occupational safety concern.
From an occupational health and safety perspective, the council’s message reinforces the need for clear workplace policies addressing impairment, regardless of a substance’s legal status. Transportation incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, and safety advocates warn that impairment — including from cannabis — can increase the likelihood of serious incidents.
The council also pointed to data showing that cannabis use during work hours is not uncommon, underscoring the need for training supervisors to recognize potential impairment and respond appropriately. For OHS professionals, this includes balancing worker rights with the responsibility to maintain safe operations.
As cannabis policy continues to evolve, safety leaders say employers should proactively review drug-free workplace programs, update training and communication strategies, and ensure supervisors are prepared to address impairment concerns consistently and legally.
The National Safety Council’s statement serves as a reminder that changes in federal drug policy should be accompanied by practical safety measures — a key consideration for occupational health and safety professionals tasked with protecting workers and the public.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.