The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) is in the process of implementing the state’s Medical Marijuana Program that was signed into law on April 17, 2016. The implementation of the program is expected to take between 18 and 24 months and, when completed, will offer medical marijuana to patients who are under a physician’s care for the treatment of a serious medical conditions as defined by Act 16.
Legal Status of Marijuana Use
Although marijuana use violates federal law, many states have passed laws legalizing marijuana. Restrictions vary widely by state; some states only allow medical marijuana, while others have legalized recreational marijuana. State laws may do one of the following:
- Legalize medical marijuana, meaning an individual may defend against criminal charges if he or she can prove a medical need for marijuana under state law
- Legalize the possession and use of recreational or medical marijuana
- Decriminalize marijuana, meaning penalties for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana may be reduced
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Now medical marijuana is legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia. However, a few states have now legalized recreational marijuana use. As of August 2017, Alaska, California, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington have passed laws allowing recreational marijuana use.
Workplace Policies
Even if you are located in a state that has legalized recreational marijuana, you can still ban marijuana, along with alcohol and other drugs, from the workplace. State laws that legalize medical or recreational marijuana do not affect employers’ rights to retain zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies. As with alcohol and other drugs, you may still prohibit employees from using marijuana at work and reporting to work under the influence of marijuana.
However, you may want to take this opportunity to review your drug policies. Companies in states where marijuana is legal may consider amending existing drug policies to clarify that any use of marijuana is prohibited, regardless of recreational or medical use.
You should also review your drug policy in conjunction with state regulations to ensure that you are not violating any nondiscrimination laws. Some states prohibit employers from discriminating against employees who test positive for medical marijuana, provided the patient is not impaired at work. In general, though, employers may discipline employees according to established drug policies that prohibit workplace use of marijuana or impairment due to marijuana. However, court cases are pending that may affect marijuana drug policies, particularly regarding medical marijuana use.
When drafting or reviewing a drug tolerance and drug testing policy, make sure that you can justify the policy according to state and federal law and that you consistently enforce the policy.