Feds Should Consider ‘Relaxing’ Marijuana Drug Testing Rules For Transportation Workers, Congresswoman Says

OG article by Tom Angell

January 26, 2026

Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA), co-chair of the Congressional Ferry Caucus, urged federal regulators to relax strict marijuana drug testing rules for transportation workers in safety-sensitive roles, such as ferry operators. She argued current policies penalize off-duty, legal recreational use in states like Washington, causing prolonged positive tests (up to a month or more) that hinder workforce recruitment amid shortages. Randall proposed allowing use outside work hours with a pre-shift buffer, emphasizing creative solutions for robust staffing. This comes as the Trump administration pursues cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to III, yet the Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains existing testing requirements, stating marijuana remains unacceptable for safety-sensitive employees until finalized. DOT bulletins confirm no immediate changes, with marijuana screening unchanged even post-rescheduling due to specific statutory authority. Scientific reviews, including NHTSA and DOJ reports, note no clear linear correlation between blood THC levels and driving impairment, questioning per se limits and impairment assumptions. Randall cosponsors the MORE Act for federal legalization. The push highlights tensions between state-legal cannabis, federal testing, and transportation safety priorities.