We’re only a couple weeks into this year’s legislative season, and we’re already seeing a flurry of activity in state capitols nationwide.
NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano submitted written testimony to the Committee opposing both provisions.
“It is significant for these health agencies to acknowledge publicly, for the first time, what many patients and advocates have known for decades: that cannabis is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for tens of millions of Americans.”
“A patient’s treatment options should not be limited by the government, but rather, they should be determined in confidence between a patient and their doctor.”
“Our sense of justice and our principles of fairness demand that public officials and the courts move swiftly to right the past wrongs of cannabis criminalization.”
Seventy-nine percent of veteran respondents and 92 percent of their family members said, “Veterans Administration doctors should be legally allowed to recommend marijuana to veterans if the doctor believes the patient could benefit from [it.]”
The new law states, “It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person in the initial hiring for employment if the discrimination is based upon the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace.”
Starting January 1st, most employers will no longer be able to either fire or refuse to hire someone based solely upon their cannabis use history.