ATRI Wants Truckers Opinions on Marijuana
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is once again asking truckers for their opinions, this time on a more controversial topic: the use of legalized marijuana while having a trucking career.
Details
The survey is not asking if drivers should be allowed to drive while under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the compound in marijuana that makes people see funny colors): that is a bad idea. More than anything, it is asking if a driver who is otherwise responsible with his or her drug habits should be allowed to use the drug on their off time.
Perhaps the best analogy is with alcohol. A driver taking four days off to celebrate the Fourth of July can spend the holiday drinking heavily, then take two days off to recover and return to work sober. In contrast, even the slightest trace amount of marijuana in a driver’s system is currently considered grounds to add them to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, even if the last time they partook was weeks ago during a camping trip. For a driver to be able to take THC without repercussions, they would need to clear out their driving schedule for at least a month, long after 99% of the drug has left their system.
While driving with CBD is currently legal, the liability falling on the shoulders of the driver if a test detects a trace amount of THC makes it, in practice, illegal for use unless the driver trusts the CBD source completely.
Conclusion
ATRI is a research organization that compiles information to influence lawmakers nationwide. Even if the survey receives overwhelming support in favor of a marijuana testing system that is different to what it is now (what ATRI calls a “marijuana impairment test”, contrasted with the existing system of a “current marijuana use test”), it will likely take years before any progress on this change becomes real, as the government is much more reluctant to accept anything regarding marijuana on the federal level when compared to the state level. Still, the journey of a thousand miles takes a single step, and if you want to put that into motion, this is the best chance to do just that.
If you want to take the survey, it is on the relevant ATRI webpage.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
