Pennsylvania lawmakers are working to clarify workplace regulations surrounding medical marijuana use with new legislation. Released this week by Rep. Napoleon Nelson and a co-sponsor, the memo outlines a proposed bill aimed at establishing clearer guidelines for employers and employees.
This bill builds on Senate Bill 1290 from a prior legislative session, which garnered bipartisan support from state senators. Since the legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania under Act 16 in 2016, the lack of federal regulations has created confusion for employers regarding their obligations toward certified medical marijuana patients.
The proposed legislation seeks to define essential terms related to medical marijuana use and set consistent standards for workplace drug testing. It will clarify when job applicants and employees are required to disclose their medical marijuana use, particularly for positions that involve safety risks, as well as how such usage impacts eligibility for unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation.
Importantly, the new bill will not alter existing legal protections that prevent employers from terminating or refusing to hire individuals solely because they are medical marijuana patients. The intention behind the legislation is to eliminate ambiguity and ensure fair treatment for both employees and employers.
Supporters of the bill believe that it will create a more structured environment for Pennsylvania businesses and workers as they manage medical marijuana policies in workplaces throughout the state.
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