W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 H E A LT H Y B U S I N E S S
guidance, Rabinowitz says that's not as helpful as
it may seem. For instance, Colorado doesn't have a
drug testing policy, instead allowing employers to
work with their attorneys to develop drug test-
ing policies appropriate for their business that still
adhere to rules regarding health policy, disability
and other federal provisions.
"Maine, in contrast to Colorado, has complicated
drug testing laws riddled with loopholes, restrictions,
thresholds and requirements," she told the committee.
On top of it, there is no test that determines actual
marijuana impairment — tests only show use.
Tim Doyle, vice president at the Maine Motor
Transport Association, says alcohol impairment is
comparatively easy to measure. " ere's no standard for
marijuana impairment," he says.
Most employers who drug test are sticking with
the policies they have in place as they wait to see what
guidelines the Legislature comes up with, says Marks,
whose organization represents about private con-
tractors in the state.
While much employment policy tends to be black
and white, "this is a gray area" that con• icts with many
employers' policies. He says employers are hoping for
clear guidelines on what compliance will look like for
both employers and workers.
C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E
»
45,000 employers in Maine
541 have state-approved drug-testing policies
200 do random testing
1
1 Restricted to businesses with 50+ employees
S O U R C E : Maine Department of Labor
DRUG TESTING IN MAINE WORKPLACES
+90%
percent of all positive
drug test in Maine
which include marijuana
in the results
Marijuana can stay in the blood
stream for more than a month,
depending on use and the user's
metabolism. A positive test does
not mean the person is impaired.
No reliable test can equate a level
of THC with impairment. Two people
with the same detectable level of
THC may exhibit different levels of
impairment or none at all.
