The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has once again reached out to the U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, to express serious concerns about the potential reclassification of marijuana. This move follows a proposal by federal authorities in May to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.

Since this proposal was announced, the ATA has been vocal about the possible risks it poses to highway safety. They initially sent letters to both Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary Buttigieg, warning that such a reclassification might hinder drug testing within the transportation industry. On June 20th, the ATA sent another letter to Secretary Buttigieg reiterating these concerns.

In their statement, the ATA emphasized that this policy change could severely impact highway safety, putting everyone on the road at greater risk. They urged Secretary Buttigieg to clarify whether the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) would still have the authority and capability to test for marijuana use among commercial vehicle drivers and other critical transportation workers.

The ATA stressed that if drug testing for marijuana were restricted, it could lead to more impaired drivers on the roads, increasing the danger for all. They pointed out that unlike alcohol, there is no standardized measure for marijuana impairment, making it crucial for motor carriers to be aware of any marijuana usage among drivers.

Dan Horvath, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety Policy, stated that while the ATA does not have an official stance on marijuana legalization or the testing of non-safety sensitive employees under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, they are deeply concerned about the broader public health and safety impacts of reclassifying marijuana. He highlighted the potential consequences for the national highway system and its users.

Horvath also acknowledged that the rulemaking process by the Department of Justice is beyond the scope of the DOT’s authority. However, he expressed the ATA’s belief that both the DOT and ATA share common goals: achieving zero highway fatalities and ensuring that the commercial driving workforce is capable of operating safely on the nation’s roads.