The Montana Contractors’ Association has announced it is adamantly opposed to Initiative 190, the legalization of recreational marijuana.
“Contractors preach safety in every aspect of our work,” said MCA President Bob Warren. “The results that have played out in other states clearly show that safety and work ethic are compromised. We won’t stand for that.”
Warren cites data from Smart Approaches to Marijuana:
• A 2014 survey showed that 10% of Americans admit to having gone to work stoned.
• Marijuana users have significantly lower levels of commitment to their work than non-users, and miss more work.
• Pot users are 106% more likely to have missed at least one day of work in the last month because they “just didn’t want to be there.”
• Industrial accidents and disciplinary problems are 55% higher by pot users; absenteeism is 78% higher; work place injuries are 85% higher.
• Pate Construction of Colorado reports for every 75 people they interview, only 15 can pass the drug test.
• A Montana contractor had a job in Colorado recently where they pre-screened 44 applicants as being qualified – unfortunately only 11 passed a drug test.
“There are dozens of reasons to oppose this initiative,” Warren added. “But we care about the safety of our employees and their families. Operating heavy machinery while the effects of THC are still in your system is dangerous and is unacceptable in the construction industry.”
Warren added that the MCA will be supporting Wrong For Montana, the group opposing I-190.
The Montana Contractors' Association is the premier membership organization representing Montana’s construction industry and professionals while improving the quality of life and safety in our communities.
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