Boss: "can you explain why your random drug test came back positive for thc?"
Me: "yeah, it's legal and I have a life outside of work. Sorry if you can't relate, but my personal time is just that. Personal."
This exchange did not go well from there, but guess who got fired for something first. (hint: not me)
Um actually, in the US you can get fired for THC in your system for recreational use. Some states, even if it's medical.
Yes it's bullshit, but that's the problem with it not being federally legal and companies in multiple states. You will probably lose if you fight it, use of marijuana is not protected and your employer is protected from you arguing it is because firing you for this still falls under "at-will" termination.
Only mentioning this to dispel the idea other folks will get away with this. You just got lucky it seems.
In the US you can get fired for just about anything in many states, including mine. There are only a few protections in place for things like race, gender etc.
Um actually, in the US
ACKTUALLY, whether or not you can get fired is a state issue, and some states such as California provide statutory protection for employees who use cannabis. It's true that there are some states where you can get in trouble, but the federal laws are not being enforced by the Biden administration, who has given the green light on cannabis consumption and rescheduling, so there's really no single answer that applies to the whole United States, and your mileage may vary.
It's also illegal federally, so there's no such thing as a state where it's "legal."
It's also illegal for someone who uses weed to own a firearm.
Weed smoker is unfortunately not a recognized protected class
As far as I know only California has protection for it.
All well and good for you yankee doodles. Still illegal here in the UK.
I had to quit when I started a job that tests.
Still illegal in many places in the US. I just happen to live in a state that is legal.
Since I'm close to a state border, I only need to drive about 20 minutes to be somewhere it's illegal again.
And if you live in an "at will" state, they can just fire you even if it's legal.
Sidenote: "at will" employment is the biggest sack of bullshit that employers convinced people is totally normal.
Im hopeful that the US, EU, and UK legalize it within the next few years. I'm realistic about the chances, I know how the older generations of politicians are, but I still cross my fingers.
I am a health nut and these Hemp bars have so many nutritional benefits. Want to try one?
Boss: Explain the weed and cocaine.
Me: Um, they're awesome...
Boss: Hell yeah they are! pulls out a spliff and a mirror
"You say it was an everything bagel?"
"That's right."
"And that explains the weed and coke?"
"Yes."
"Then where's the opium and meth..?"
They found opium, hence the initial poppy seed excuse.
Shit, musta been the psilocybin that threw me off.
"Right? I'm still asking why they didn't include Ketamine and a kitchen sink."
Because ketemine has an extremely short half-life and isn't detectable very long after use.
"You should ask for a refund."
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Boss: You failed your drug test
Me: Yeah, I forgot to study for it
Literally every Enlisted member ever.
Just watched this on QI. S16E08, plants. It's about 11 minutes in...
Is the US that dystopian that people get drug tested outside of "responsible" jobs?
Yes. ๐คฃ
The poor kid bagging groceries gets drug tested more than I do.
Seriously? Supermarket workers get drug tested? What possible problem could using drugs in your off hours cause there?
Only for low-wage jobs. IME it's rare for office workers to get drug tested.
Actually most "responsible" jobs won't drug test because it becomes too difficult to find people who are experienced enough to take on that responsibility. If they did they wouldn't be able to staff a shift. As long as they're well enough to do their work everyone will look the other way.
On the other hand, jobs where the employee is easily replaceable will be more likely to be drug tested. There are people literally begging for the chance at a paycheck. It's not really about safety or morals and more about employers maintaining authority over employees.
