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The cannabis landscape in America has evolved dramatically over the past decade. As legalization spreads and social stigma declines, cannabis use has become increasingly common among everyday professionals. From electricians to IT workers, from lawyers to healthcare staff, the plant once confined to the counterculture is now part of mainstream life. But how widespread is this use across different professions—and what do the experts say about its implications?
Recent studies show that cannabis use among U.S. workers continues to rise. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that over 10% of employed adults reported using cannabis in the past 30 days. Industries such as food service, entertainment, and construction show the highest prevalence, reaching up to 20% of workers in some cases. These numbers illustrate that cannabis is no longer limited to a specific demographic or occupation.
Meanwhile, white-collar and technical professions such as management, finance, and public administration report lower rates—between 3% and 6% of employees. Yet that doesn’t mean professionals aren’t using cannabis. Many individuals in fields like law and information technology use cannabis privately for relaxation, stress reduction, or creativity, even if they don’t disclose it openly.
In the tech sector, for instance, a study titled Hashing It Out found that about 35% of surveyed software developers had used cannabis while programming, and nearly one in five used it at least monthly. Respondents said cannabis helped them concentrate, reduce distractions, and enter a creative flow. These insights reveal how some knowledge workers view cannabis as a tool for productivity rather than a distraction.
In contrast, legal professionals tend to report far lower usage. Lawyers, judges, and others in the justice system face stricter professional codes and federal oversight, discouraging open discussion or reporting of cannabis use. Experts note that social and occupational stigma likely keeps the real numbers hidden. While cannabis use among legal professionals undoubtedly exists, it remains under the radar.
Trades such as electricians and construction workers appear more open about usage. Data grouping these occupations shows roughly 15% reporting cannabis use in the past 30 days—well above national averages. However, researchers emphasize that most of these workers report using cannabis after hours rather than on the job.
Workplace cannabis use is still a sensitive issue. Although some states have legalized the plant, most workplaces maintain zero-tolerance policies. Studies show that about one in ten workers has used cannabis immediately before or during work hours, raising safety concerns—especially in physically demanding or high-risk fields. Cannabis can affect focus, motor skills, and decision-making, making responsible use and clear company policies essential.
Experts continue to warn that while cannabis legalization has expanded, professional expectations haven’t caught up. Employers must balance individual rights with workplace safety. The ongoing conflict between state and federal law also leaves many gray areas for both workers and employers.
Still, it’s clear that cannabis use transcends class and career. The modern workforce reflects a society increasingly comfortable with cannabis, whether for recreation, wellness, or creative thinking. As legalization continues to progress, more professionals will likely feel empowered to discuss and normalize responsible use without fear of stigma or career risk.
This information has been found accurate at the date of posting. We are always learning so much about plant science, so stay tuned in to keep up with the ever-growing science about the plant.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis and work: Understanding workplace risks. NIOSH Science Blog. Retrieved from https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/06/15/cannabis-and-work
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Occupational patterns of marijuana use among U.S. adults. PMC. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11499688
American Journal of Public Health. (2024). Workplace cannabis use by industry and occupation. Retrieved from https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307788
Hash, A., et al. (2022). Hashing it out: Programmers’ cannabis usage, perception, and motivation. arXiv Preprint. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/abs/2112.09365
Society for Human Resource Management. (2024). Marijuana in the workplace: It’s complicated. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/marijuana-workplace-its-complicated
