Do you know the legalization of cannabis is accepted in many states and in many parts of the world, plus the number is skyrocketing. As a result, more people are now using cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. You will be surprised to know that according to recent surveys, 88% of working-age adults in the U.S. support using cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes.
Since cannabis use is widely accepted, you obviously don’t want any unpleasant situations in your workplace. That’s why employers need clear guidelines. These guidelines should ensure a safe, productive, and legally compliant workplace. Okay, let’s know about the changing cannabis laws, legalization, and how to sort this by maintaining your workplace policies. Keep reading!
What is Cannabis?
Well, cannabis is basically a plant that people use for medicine, relaxation, or recreation. People also call it marijuana and it has some slang names like pot, weed, ganja, etc. It contains compounds like THC and CBD, which have psychoactive and therapeutic effects that give you medicinal benefits for several purposes. Like its been used for pain relief, treatment of anxiety or depression, rare diseases, pain relief for cancer patients, skin diseases, etc.
Cannabis is also used for pets like cats & dogs for their anxiety, depression, and hyper activeness.
Why Cannabis Laws are Important to Regulate and Comply?
Cannabis laws are important to keep people safe, ensure fair use, and prevent misuse. They ensure products are tested, labeled, and sold responsibly, preventing contamination and illegal sales. Regulation also helps generate tax revenue, create jobs, and reduce black-market activities.
It also promotes medical research, ensuring safe access to cannabis-based treatments. In simple sentences, cannabis laws help control who can grow, sell, and use cannabis while protecting public health.
Following these laws also helps businesses operate legally, avoid penalties, and maintain a healthy workplace.
Changing Cannabis Laws
Let’s find out what are the laws circulated around marijuana in the states. Cannabis laws vary depending on the region. So as an employee or employer, both need to stay informed about federal and state laws to be legally safe.
State marijuana laws
In some states, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal use, and those states are Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
On the other hand, in some states it’s only legal for medicinal uses. Moreover in some states and countries marijuana use is illegal. These states’ laws make it difficult for workplaces and e employers to establish company-wide policies and practices.
Federal marijuana laws
Despite these state laws, all marijuana use is illegal under federal law, creating a complex legal environment for employers. Marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Developing employee substance abuse policies can be challenging as new marijuana state laws always continue to change. So, always seek legal counsel for guidance on federal and state marijuana laws.
How Cannabis Laws Impact Workplace Policies
Cannabis laws affect workplace policies by creating challenges in drug testing, employee rights, and safety regulations. In states where marijuana is legal, employers must balance compliance with state laws while maintaining a drug-free workplace.
- Drug Testing: Companies may need to adjust testing policies, especially in states where medical or recreational use is allowed.
- Employee Rights vs. Employer Responsibilities: Employees have the right to use cannabis where it is legal, but employers also have the responsibility to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
- Workplace Safety: Industries such as construction, transportation, and healthcare may have stricter policies regarding cannabis use due to safety risks.
- Multi-State Challenges: Employers operating businesses in multiple states face difficulties in setting consistent policies due to different laws in different states.
How Cannabis May Affect Employees
Cannabis use can impact employees in various ways, affecting workplace performance, safety, and productivity.
- It slowed reaction times.
- Affect Memory and reduce focus.
- Increase sleepiness.
- Reduced ability to pay attention.
- Frequent use can lead to lower motivation and efficiency.
- Decreased productivity.
- Create dependency on substances.
- Potential psychological side effects such as anxiety, depressed mood, paranoia, panic, or psychosis.
- In jobs requiring alertness (e.g., driving, operating machinery), cannabis use increases accident risks.
Adjust Workplace Policies on Changing Cannabis Laws
To sort out the changing cannabis laws, employers should focus on workplace policies. Let’s see how:
- Drug Test Policies
One of the first areas to adjust is drug testing. In states where cannabis is legal, employers may need to reconsider their drug testing policies. Some employees may use cannabis off-duty for medical or recreational reasons, and it’s important to distinguish between casual use and impairment while on the job.
Tip: Clearly define when and how drug tests are done and focus on detecting impairment, not past use.
- Determining Active Impairment
Unlike alcohol, cannabis can stay in a person’s system long after its effects have worn off, leading to confusion regarding active impairment. This poses a challenge for employers when assessing whether an employee is impaired on the job.
Tip: Train supervisors to spot impairment and address it right away to keep the workplace safe.
- Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is always a top priority, especially in industries that require a high level of physical coordination or operation of machinery. With the legalization of cannabis, ensuring a safe work environment becomes even more critical.
Tip: Have a zero-tolerance policy for impairment on the job, especially in safety-critical roles.
- Accommodations for Medical Cannabis Use
In some states, employees who use cannabis for medical purposes are protected by law from discrimination based on their medical use. However, this doesn’t mean that employees can use cannabis during work hours or come to work impaired.
Tip: Handle medical cannabis requests on a case-by-case basis and ensure safety isn’t compromised.
- Employee Privacy
As cannabis use becomes more common, employees may question how much personal information their employer can ask about their cannabis use, especially if it’s for medical purposes. Privacy concerns are especially relevant in states with medical cannabis laws, which protect individuals’ rights to use cannabis for certain medical conditions.
Tip: Avoid unnecessary questions about cannabis use and follow legal guidelines to protect privacy.
- Best Practices for Employers
To keep up with changing cannabis laws, here are some tips:
- Stay Updated: Cannabis laws change often. Make sure to keep up with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Consult Legal Experts: Talk to a lawyer to make sure your policies are solid.
- Be Clear and Consistent: Keep policies simple and ensure they apply to everyone fairly.
- Train Supervisors: Teach managers how to spot impairment and handle situations properly.
- Communicate: Always inform employees about any changes to policies.
Legal Risks and Compliance Strategies
Failing to update workplace policies can expose employers to legal risks, such as discrimination claims or wrongful termination lawsuits. To mitigate these risks:
- Stay informed about state and federal cannabis laws.
- Consult legal counsel to ensure policies align with local regulations.
- Document all policy changes and employee communications.
Final Words
Navigating the continuously changing cannabis laws can be tricky. But staying informed and proactive is essential for maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant workplace. With the right policies in place and a commitment to fairness, employers can minimize risks and ensure employee well-being.
For those looking to simplify the process of managing medical cannabis use in the workplace, MedCardNow is here to help. It offers expert consultations and legal documents like recommendation letters, medical cards, and authorization to purchase and cultivate cannabis.
Want an online card to buy marijuana in California, then contact Medcardnow today.
