The study found that health-related work absences fell about 6.9% in states that decriminalized medical cannabis|Marcobeltrametti|CC BY-SA 4.0
Legalizing medical marijuana could help businesses cut workplace absenteeism and save hundreds of millions of dollars each year, according to a recent University of Georgia study.
Researchers analyzed federal employment and Census data covering more than 20 million people from 1990 through March 2025. They found that health-related work absences fell about 6.9% in states that decriminalized medical cannabis.
The biggest declines occurred in physically demanding jobs. Absences dropped 39% among fabricators and manual laborers and 33% among machine operators.
Health service workers saw a 32% decline, while farm and construction workers recorded smaller reductions.
The study found no statistically significant effect from recreational marijuana laws on workplace absenteeism.
Researchers said medical cannabis may help some workers manage chronic pain and other health problems, reducing missed workdays.
However, the study relied on self-reported data and did not measure individual marijuana use or potential negative health effects.