In the ongoing debate over marijuana’s full legalization, a new study offers proponents this potential payoff: cheaper workers’ compensation claims for injured workers.
But when workers in pain have easier access to marijuana as a form of chronic pain management, that may reduce their need altogether for workers’ compensation — and keep them working, according to economists at Temple University, the University of Cincinnati, William Paterson University and the RAND Corporation.
In states where cannabis became fully legal, 20% fewer workers between the ages of 40 and 62 said they received any worker’s compensation in the past year compared to modeling of those same states if they hadn’t authorized full recreational use. The average payouts in those states dropped $21.98, compared to a baseline of roughly $100.
The study isn’t arguing for or against recreational marijuana use, but it comes as more states legalize full use for adults. Voters in four states approved recreational adult use in November 2020 ballot questions. Counting those states, 15 states and Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis for recreational use and 34 states allow medical marijuana use.
Different kind of fix, like tea or coffee. Got to have it manage . So, America's legally hooked like nicotine.