Updates: May 23, 2008

Dan Harmon, General Counsel for Hoffman Construction and Chair of the WorkDrugFree Oregon Legislative Work Group was in Medford recently to present a program on the economic impact of substance abuse.  WorkDrugFree Oregon was a product of the Oregon Business Plan Initiative.  The presentation, sponsored by the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County, was attended by approximately 30 interested participants representing a variety of employers.

Harmon outlined the impact of the effects of impaired workers in businesses all over Oregon, summarizing a study by ECONorthwest that estimates the cost of substance abuse in Oregon costs the economy $5.9 billion in 2006.  Harmon cited statistics from the study regarding the dramatic impact of substance use & abuse in America, Oregon, and Oregon’s workforce.  While most of America realizes there is a significant problem, Harmon highlighted specific statistics that described the problem in vivid detail.  

Harmon also spoke to the issue of Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act and its impact on employers.  While Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act was designed for seriously ill individuals, there are now nearly 16,000 medical marijuana cardholders, many of whom are in the workforce.  Whether or not employers must accommodate employee’s use of medical marijuana is an issue that has not been addressed by the courts and is leaving employers with many questions.  According to Harmon’s presentation, “The employer’s position is further complicated by the inability to measure impairment with medical marijuana where, unlike prescription drugs, quantities and dosages are unknown and no physician oversight exists after the card is issued.”  He also highlighted what he called “medical marijuana myths, distortions, misrepresentations & propaganda” in dealing with the issue in the legislature.  While many employers site concerns about safety with the use of medical marijuana, one employer also outlined other concerns like productivity, taking direction, and absenteeism as other costs to business.

Several initiatives regarding medical marijuana proposed by the WorkDrugFree group were introduced in the 2007 legislative session, but were not acted on.  Citing the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing substance abuse in Oregon, the group will return to the 2009 session with more proposals intended to address the issues concerning the organization.

Also attending the presentation were members of Southern Oregon’s legislative delegation, Senator Alan Bates (D-Ashland), Representative Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) and Representative Sal Esquivel (R-Medford).  Each legislator spoke to their concerns regarding substance abuse in Oregon, and a willingness to work with WorkDrugFree to address this critical issue.

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