The Impact of Marijuana in the Workplace

As you know, it is legal now to smoke marijuana in California. For some, maybe a lot, it is happy news but for others, it is crazy thinking. But what is the impact of marijuana in the workplace? What does legalizing marijuana mean for the employer?

Where Marijuana stands with the Law

Understand one thing, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Despite the medical use of marijuana laws, also know as cannabis,  in 40 states, cannabis is still illegal under federal law. Marijuana is a controlled substance. According to the American for Safe Access, “Under federal law, cannabis is treated like every other controlled substance, such as cocaine and heroin. The federal government places every controlled substance in a schedule, in principle according to its relative potential for abuse and medicinal value. Under the CSA, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that the federal government views cannabis as highly addictive and having no medical value.” Advocates of legal marijuana who hoped to soften the federal stance of the drug were highly disappointed.  The Drug Enforcement Administration announced it will keep marijuana illegal for any purpose.

Showing up to work high

Frist, it is important that you have a drug-free workplace policy enforced if you do then you can enforce those policies. Make sure these policies are in your employee handbook. Employers are allowed to do drug testings and if marijuana is found in the test results employers can take action. I do talk more in detail about this because of the question of prescribing medical marijuana.

Listen Up

So, let’s Listen Up with Jim Potts and I discuss the impact of marijuana in the workplace now that it is legal in California.

Join the Conversation!

YOUR TURN Do you have a drug-free workplace? Have you ever had an employee test postive for marijuana? How did you handle the situation? How do you feel about the legalized marijuana? You comments and opinions count!

Helping you to stay out of court.

Want to stay out of court? Of course you do! Then listen right now to “Listen Up” with Jim Potts

Call in with your questions or concern to 1-855-4 J POTTS (1-855 457-6887) every 3rd Friday of every month at 10 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME. Or email us your question HERE (for Outlook). You can also copy and paste [email protected] into your email.

Looking forward to speaking with you On-The-Air on “Listen Up” with Jim Potts

Save

Save

Save

The post The Impact of Marijuana in the Workplace appeared first on Potts & Associates.