Imagine, as that old movie plot goes, falling asleep 25 years ago and waking up now. Beyond the technology, there might be nothing stranger than driving on Connecticut highways and seeing billboards for selling cannabis (in Massachusetts) nearly every mile. (Though, don’t look now, but the state is banning those.)
Well, it’s about to get even crazier.
Effective July 1, 2022, a whole new set of laws regarding cannabis and the workplace become effective.
For example, the new law permits an employer to implement a policy prohibiting cannabis possession, use, or other consumption by an employee, except for possession of medical marijuana by a qualifying patient under the same law. The bill requires that the policy be (1) in writing in either physical or electronic form and (2) made available to each employee before the policy’s enactment. The employer must also make the policy available to each prospective employee when making an offer or conditional offer of employment.
So if you haven’t updated your drug and alcohol policy to address this new law, now would be the time to do so.
The new law also regulates drug testing and prohibits employers from taking action based on a positive drug test for THC.
I’ve done a recap of the bill last year.
In the meantime, my colleague Sarah Westby (who co-chairs our Cannabis practice) and others within our department have been busy advising clients of late regarding what should change under this new law. Feel free to contact any one of us for more information.