Amazon is both advocating for cannabis legalization and is advising its delivery partners not to test for cannabis. The company suggests the move would increase applications by as much as 400 percent.

Looking for More Drivers

According to Bloomberg, screening for cannabis at Amazon reduces the number of applicants by up to 30 percent. As a result, the e-commerce company is asking its delivery contractors to stop the process. Some delivery companies have agreed to this request, saying they felt the screening was the main driver shortage.

Despite the shortage, not all companies are following through with this. Some have stepped out and expressed their concern for the lack of screening, citing insurance and liability implications. These company owners have remained anonymous due to Amazon discouraging partners from discussing this topic with the media.

“If one of my drivers crashes and kills someone and tests positive for marijuana, that’s my problem, not Amazon’s,” one company owner told Bloomberg.

Amazon’s Stance on Cannabis

Amazon took the first step in this concept by removing cannabis testing for employees back in June. The only employees who would still require screening would be those regulated by the Department of Transportation. The company argues the process has affected communities of color in the past. On top of that, Amazon has lobbied the federal government to legalize cannabis.

Despite the leniency for its employees, Amazon still expects them to perform their operations by the law. Under no circumstances will they allow anyone to work while impaired. The company will treat employee use of cannabis “the same as alcohol use.”

“If a delivery associate is impaired at work and tests positive post-accident or due to reasonable suspicion, that person would no longer be permitted to perform services for Amazon,” an Amazon spokeswoman said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.