Between the issue or marijuana reform in Wichita and legalization lawsuits in Colorado, marijuana is taking the spotlight in the Midwest. However, one company says the drug may have a big impact in Wichita.

Edward Young, with the National Screening Bureau, says the use of pot may have a lasting effect on safety and health of workers.
According to Young, studies show that those who do use drugs are five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. They’re also more likely to steal.

“Users are 10 times more likely to steal from an employer,” Young said. “The average employer will tell you nationally the numbers tell us that the average employee steals $2,000 worth of material or money a year.”

After Colorado legalized the recreational use of marijuana, Young said people are bringing it into Kansas more. Though he says the company does not have a stance for or against marijuana, he said it’s becoming more prevalent and a growing concern for employers.

“So there’s lots of gray areas here,” he said. “Businesses are having to kind of feel their way through. It’s a dark, murky area and how are they going to protect themselves? How are they going to be successful? How are they going to get to control their culture of excellence? Those are the questions we’re seeing and we’re trying to help businesses answer.”

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