Medical Cannabis Legalization Linked to 6.9% Drop in Health-Related Workplace Absenteeism
核心洞察
A University of Georgia study analyzing U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering more than 20 million workers found medical cannabis legalization is associated with a 6.9% reduction in health-related workplace absences.
The sharpest declines occurred in physically demanding roles, with manual laborers missing work 39% less and industrial machine operators 33% less, while recreational cannabis laws showed no statistically significant effect.
Corresponding author Patryk Babiarz estimated medical marijuana could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually, citing an estimate of $225 billion in annual lost productivity from employee absenteeism.
Legalizing medical marijuana reduces health-related job absences and could save businesses hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to a University of Georgia study published on June 10 in the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health. Researchers analyzed U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering more than 20 million workers between the ages of 18 and 61, spanning 1990 through March 2025.
The study found that in states that decriminalized medical cannabis, health-related work absences dropped by about 6.9%. By contrast, recreational cannabis laws had no statistically significant impact on health-related workplace absenteeism. More than 40 states have authorized medical marijuana, while 25 states have legalized recreational use as of March 2025.
Reductions Concentrated in Physically Demanding Work
The absenteeism-reducing effects were most pronounced in occupations and industries where chronic pain (搜索), physical strain, and job-related stress are plausible determinants of missed work. "The absenteeism-reducing effects of medical cannabis decriminalization are concentrated in occupations and industries in which chronic pain, physical strain, and job-related stress are plausibly important determinants of missed work," the study authors wrote. "Medical cannabis laws appear to reduce sickness absence in settings where therapeutic use is likely to be most relevant."
The sharpest declines in missed work occurred in physically demanding roles, led by fabricators and manual laborers at 39% and machine operators at 33%. Health service workers saw a 32% drop, while farm workers decreased absences by 18% and construction workers fell by 10%. Food preparation employees also recorded a 10% reduction.
Among manufacturing industries, durable goods saw a 31% reduction in medical absences and non-durable goods saw a 16% decline. Reductions were also recorded in agriculture at 16%, non-health personal services at 11%, construction at 9%, and business services at 8%.
Economic Implications
Corresponding author Patryk Babiarz, an associate professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, emphasized the financial impact of employee illness. "Work absenteeism costs a lot for employers, with one estimate putting that total at $225 billion annually in lost productivity alone," Babiarz said. "Medical marijuana could actually save hundreds of millions of dollars in economic cost simply because people are not missing work."
The study noted that decriminalization produced a stronger quantitative reduction in absenteeism than the onset of retail dispensary sales. Additionally, workers with a high school education or less experienced the largest absenteeism reductions at 36%.
Therapeutic Channel and Symptom Management
Access to medical marijuana may allow workers to better manage symptoms associated with chronic pain (搜索), muscle conditions, and mental distress. Mayo Clinic data indicates medical cannabis is frequently used to treat symptoms of muscular, physical, and mental conditions.
"Our results are consistent with a therapeutic channel through which medical cannabis access improves symptom management and reduces sickness absence," the study authors stated. "This study identifies a statistically significant and quantitatively meaningful effect of medical cannabis laws in the United States on reducing health-related workplace absenteeism."
Regarding recreational cannabis, the study found "no significant effect of recreational cannabis legalization on health-related workplace absenteeism." The authors noted, "Although the estimated effect of recreational cannabis decriminalization was positive, it was not measured with sufficient precision to achieve statistical significance."
Study Limitations
The study dataset relied on self-reported survey responses, which prevents direct verification of individual cannabis use for pain management. Officials did not measure the duration of specific sick leaves or examine potential negative health and behavioral outcomes. Researchers also did not evaluate how employer zero-tolerance drug policies or workplace drug testing affect attendance in states with legal medical cannabis.