“Policies that mandate would-be hires to undergo urine screens for past cannabis exposure are invasive, discriminatory, and ineffective. They neither identify workers who may be under the influence, nor do they contribute to a safe work environment.”
Washington joins a growing number of jurisdictions that have passed legislation limiting employers’ ability to pre-screen applicants for past marijuana use.
Democratic Governor Ralph Northam has signed House Bill 1862 into law, which provides employment protections for state-registered medical cannabis patients.
“The present study provides empirical evidence on the consequences of marijuana legalization on issues related to the labor market outcomes, in particular, WC [workers’ compensation] claiming of older adults. … Our findings suggest potentially important benefits to older workers and society at large.”
“The abolishment of this discriminatory policy is long overdue. The use of cannabis during one’s off hours poses no legitimate workplace safety threat and the tens of millions of Americans who engage in this behavior should no longer be stigmatized or denied employment because of it.”
“[A]fter-work cannabis use did not relate to any of the workplace performance dimensions. This finding casts doubt on some stereotypes of cannabis users.”
“These findings suggest that medical marijuana can allow workers to better manage symptoms associated with workplace injuries and illnesses and, in turn, reduce need for workers’ compensation.”
Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed legislation into law prohibiting certain employers from refusing to hire a worker because he or she tested positive for cannabis. The new law takes effect on January 1, 2020.