Annapolis, MD: Lawmakers have advanced legislation (SB 439) to the Governor prohibiting employment discrimination against firefighters and other rescue workers who use state-authorized medical cannabis products while off-duty.
The legislation passed both chambers with overwhelming majorities. This is the third year in a row that lawmakers have debated the measure, but it marks the first time both chambers have approved it.
NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano testified in March before lawmakers on behalf of the legislation, stating: “Over 100,000 residents are registered in Maryland to legally access medicinal cannabis products. This includes firefighters and other rescue workers who typically consume it to mitigate symptoms of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and other serious health conditions. Patients who take traditional medications – including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other therapeutics that may temporarily influence mood or judgment – do not face punishment in the workplace unless their on-the-job performance is impaired. Patients who consume medical cannabis during their off-hours should be treated equally.”
NORML has worked closely with various firefighters’ unions in support of the effort. Earlier this year, officials in Howard County (population: 335,000) adopted a similar ordinance protecting off-duty medical cannabis use.
Baltimore County (population: 854,000), Frederick County (population: 287,000), and the City of Annapolis (population: 40,000) have already enacted local ordinances abolishing marijuana drug screening for most public employees.
The bill now awaits action from Democratic Gov. Wes Moore.
An action alert in support of SB 439 is available from NORML’s Take Action Center.