Medical Marijuana Helps Keep Workers On The Job

A new study found some surprising results when it comes to the legalization of medical marijuana in states like Illinois and employees missing work.

Work Absences Are Far Fewer For Illinois Medical Marijuana Users

There is definitely a stereotype of people who use cannabis—characteristics like laziness, being dumb, unreliable, and basically a slacker. Medical and recreational marijuana has been legal in Illinois for several years now, and a large number of residents use it. I know that from the massive sales numbers each month. Not all of those people fit the description of your typical "pothead."

READ MORE: Shoplifting With Adults In Illinois Rises Sharply As Residents Struggle Financially

According to Fox 32 Chicago...

A new study from the University of Georgia indicates legal medical cannabis workplace absenteeism drops significantly among employees facing chronic physical pain.

 

man standing in front of people sitting beside table with laptop computers

Many residents of Illinois use medical marijuana for health purposes, and it's helped them live a better and more comfortable life. In fact, a recent study has shown that absenteeism has dropped in states where medical marijuana is legal. Patients who use cannabis are calling in to work far less because it has helped the ailments that cause them to not be on the job. Remember, this is for medical and not recreational cannabis. You have to check out some of these statistics the researchers have discovered.

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• Health-related work absences are 7% lower in states with legal medical marijuana.

• The largest improvement is with employees that work physical labor.

• Fewer absences save companies millions of dollars.

• The research project covers 20 million people across the country.

• 40 states currently have legal medical marijuana.

• Manual laborers' absences dropped 39%.

• Machine operators' absences dropped 33%.

• Health service workers' absences dropped 32%.

• Farm workers' absences dropped 18%.

• Construction workers' absences dropped 10%.

• Manufacturing workers' absences dropped 31%.

• Non-durable goods workers' absences dropped 16%.

• Agriculture workers' absences dropped 16%.

• Non-health personal services workers' absences dropped 11%.

• Construction workers' absences dropped 9%

• Business services workers' absences dropped 8%.

• Workers with high school education or less dropped 36%