An American Trucking Associations (ATA)-led coalition is urging federal policymakers to address the potential safety implications of marijuana rescheduling before any changes to federal drug policy are finalized. The coalition, representing organizations across the transportation, manufacturing, construction, and business sectors, argues that while discussions surrounding marijuana policy continue, lawmakers and regulators must ensure that public safety—particularly commercial transportation safety—remains a top priority.
The coalition’s concerns stem from the U.S. Department of Justice’s proposal to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the proposed change would not legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level, industry organizations believe it could create confusion regarding workplace drug testing policies, employer responsibilities, and existing transportation safety regulations. Because commercial drivers operate large vehicles on public highways, the coalition emphasizes that maintaining clear impairment standards is essential to protecting both motorists and the nation’s freight network.
According to ATA, federal transportation regulations currently prohibit commercial drivers from using marijuana regardless of state laws that may permit recreational or medical use. Drivers who perform safety-sensitive duties remain subject to strict drug testing requirements established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing. The coalition stresses that these safety regulations should remain unchanged unless reliable methods are available to accurately determine real-time impairment.
A key concern raised by the coalition is the lack of scientifically validated roadside impairment testing for marijuana. Unlike alcohol, where blood alcohol concentration provides a widely accepted measure of impairment, marijuana can remain detectable in a person’s body long after its impairing effects have ended. This makes it difficult for employers, law enforcement agencies, and regulators to determine whether an individual is actively impaired while performing safety-sensitive work.
Industry leaders also warn that rescheduling could unintentionally increase public misconceptions about marijuana use among commercial drivers. While a change in federal classification would primarily affect medical research and regulatory oversight, some stakeholders fear it could lead to misunderstandings regarding workplace policies and DOT regulations. ATA emphasizes that commercial drivers remain prohibited from using marijuana under existing federal transportation rules, regardless of future scheduling decisions.
The coalition is calling on Congress and federal agencies to develop science-based policies that protect transportation safety while addressing evolving federal drug laws. Specifically, industry representatives support additional research into impairment detection technologies, improved roadside testing methods, and clearer regulatory guidance for employers operating within federally regulated industries.
Commercial transportation organizations argue that safety-sensitive industries require consistent national standards because drivers routinely cross state lines and operate under federal oversight. Maintaining uniform rules helps carriers manage compliance programs while ensuring drivers clearly understand their responsibilities.
As discussions surrounding marijuana policy continue at the federal level, ATA and its coalition partners believe any regulatory changes should be accompanied by safeguards that preserve highway safety, support employer compliance efforts, and maintain the integrity of the nation’s commercial transportation system. They contend that balancing public policy reforms with evidence-based safety measures will be critical to protecting both professional drivers and the traveling public.
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