🚫🚬 ATA Pushes Back on Marijuana Reclassification: Safety or Stigma?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro: A New High... or a New Headache for Truckers?

With all the talk about the federal government possibly reclassifying marijuana, most Americans are out here wondering how it’ll affect dispensaries, jail time, or whether grandma can use edibles for her arthritis.

But for truckers?
It ain’t that simple.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) just raised a red flag, saying rescheduling weed could create "serious safety risks" and confuse compliance for truckers under DOT rules.

Translation: Just because it’s “legal-ish” doesn’t mean you won’t still lose your CDL for testing positive.

Let’s break it down like a busted air line at the scales.

Wait… What’s Changing?

Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I substance under federal law — right up there with heroin.
The government is considering bumping it down to Schedule III, which acknowledges some medical use and lowers the federal penalty.

That means:

More access for research

More doctors prescribing

More state-level legalization

Less federal enforcement

But here’s the catch:
DOT rules don’t change with drug reclassification.

What’s the ATA Worried About?

ATA says reclassification might send “mixed signals” to drivers and the public.

Here’s their main concern:

💡 If weed becomes Schedule III…
Drivers might assume it’s OK to use recreationally or medically.

🛑 But under DOT regs…
Any positive THC test = instant suspension, mandatory return-to-duty protocol, and possible CDL loss.

ATA's worried that confusion will lead to:

More failed drug tests

Less qualified drivers in the pipeline

More risk on the roads

They want clear, strict rules that say:

“Marijuana is still off-limits for CDL holders. Period.”

Drivers Speak Up – Here’s What They’re Saying

🚛 Old-school OTR Driver

“I’ve seen guys lose everything over one gummy. Either make it legal AND fix DOT rules — or keep it how it is.”

🧑‍⚕️ Medical Card Holder

“Why can pilots and bus drivers get accommodations but not truckers? This is still biased.”

📦 Fleet Safety Manager

“We’re already struggling to find drivers who can pass the drug test. Reclassification could make things worse if drivers get the wrong idea.”

💨 Recreational Advocate

“It’s legal in my state. The DOT needs to get with the times.”

Real Talk: What This Means for YOU

Let’s cut through the legal noise:

✅ If you’re a CDL holder — nothing changes yet.
Even if it gets rescheduled, THC = automatic fail.

❌ You can’t claim medical marijuana as an excuse to fail a drug test.

💀 You’ll still have to go through the SAP program (Substance Abuse Professional) to return to driving.

So don’t let TikTok lawyers and Reddit threads fool you — DOT is still living in 1999 when it comes to weed.

What Needs to Happen (But Probably Won’t Soon)

🚫 DOT would need to overhaul its drug policy to reflect reclassification — not happening overnight.

🧪 We’d need new testing tech that detects current impairment, not just trace THC from weeks ago. (That tech exists, but the feds ain’t ready.)

⚖️ Fleets need clearer guidance to avoid lawsuits, confusion, or losing half their driver pool.

Bottom Line: Don’t Get Twisted

Even if marijuana moves down the federal schedule, CDL drivers are still held to the highest standard — and THC is a career killer.

The ATA is right to raise the concern, but the real issue isn’t weed — it’s outdated drug testing policies that can’t tell if you’re high now or high last weekend.

Until the system catches up, the best advice is simple:

👉 Don’t roll with THC in your system unless you’re ready to roll your career off a cliff.

💡 Want to Stay in the Game? Stack More Than Just Freight

Smart drivers are building side income while trucking — because one random test, one back injury, or one bad dispatcher shouldn’t end your career.

👉 Go to OffDutyMoney.com

Learn how truckers are making online money so they never have to rely on just the road.