New Peer-Reviewed Research Shows Medical Cannabis Access Reduces Workplace Absences

Petition Update: Supporters, A major new study strengthens the case for removing cannabis from Schedule I. Researchers analyzed more than 20 million U.S. workers across 35 years of data (January 1990 – March 2025) and found that medical cannabis decriminalization reduced the likelihood of health-related work absences by approximately 6.9%. The study states: “Medical cannabis decriminalization reduced the likelihood of health-related work absences by about 6.9%…” Effects were strongest in physically demanding occupations and industries (manual labor, manufacturing, construction, agriculture) — exactly the workers who often rely on cannabis for chronic pain, stress, migraines, and sleep issues. Recreational legalization showed no significant increase in health-related absences. This research adds to the growing body of evidence that keeping cannabis in Schedule I harms workers, veterans, and patients while failing to protect workplaces. Supporting regulated access helps people stay employed and productive. APA Citation Amendah, E. R., Babiarz, P., & Rabindran, K. (2026). Cannabis laws and health-related workplace absenteeism in the United States. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/15555240.2026.2680016 We’re at ~850 signatures. Let’s push past 1,000. Every signature moves us closer to real reform of the Controlled Substances Act. Thank you for standing with us. — Jodi & the petition team