The second-largest private employer in the United States announced a change of heart toward ex-employees previously fired for testing positive for marijuana. As Amazon continues to grow at a shocking pace, employee demand increases as well. The implementation of marijuana drug tests quickly eliminates a significant portion of current employees and potential hires. Beyond business, Amazon will allow the reapplication of previously fired employees for three reasons: 1) new legalization laws, 2) the disproportionate effect that drug tests have on people of color, and 3) the desire for a greater pool of applicants.
Mandatory drug tests for marijuana are extremely outdated when it comes to many roles in the general workplace, especially those implemented at random. Many states are moving toward new legalization laws. As a nationwide corporation, Amazon cannot justify the reasoning behind its decision to terminate team members based on a personal decision to use cannabis. Not only is it a stretch of authority, but race and discrimination become evident once a company starts to pick and choose the people or the communities they decide to test.
Numbers and statistics do not lie, but while we’re talking about lying, easy access to resources like fake urine and detox kits in predominantly white communities should be considered in the discussion. Lastly, if the business is growing, so will the number of employees. To eliminate qualified employees for failing a marijuana drug test is to dismiss their reasoning behind it (not like they needed one anyway). For example, cannabis treats a variety of disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, suppressed appetite, and so much more. So, it’s clear that Amazon made the morally correct decision to give former employees a second chance, but they can’t expect their former employees to give them one, too.
Don’t let an outdated conviction haunt your life forever. Contact the record-clearing experts at Easy Expunctions to find the expunction package that works best for you and your future. Visit our website at easyexpunctions.com to learn more!