Medical Marijuana could force a review to how employers hire in Ohio

In the last five years, the culture and attitudes surrounding our societal perception of marijuana has greatly shifted. Where today 62 % of Americans are in favor of Marijuana Legalization.What was once seen by some as another illicit street-corner threat, this plant and it’s many useful benefits have been put under the microscope. Although societal norms have accepted marijuana use in its legal application, have employers been just as quick to turn heel? ​

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 Will testing and restrictions continue to trend toward a more cannabis-friendly attitude? All signs point to yes.

Getting all the correct details of this trend, however, might depend on who you ask. Some still cling to the notion that marijuana is harmful to society and the economy as a result. Thanks to years of research and adjusting cultural norms, we now know that is largely untrue. However, the answer is just as complex as one would expect. As more states move toward legalization, employers are starting to rethink pre-employment screenings that include marijuana.
 
Currently, urine tests are most common method among employers and they do little to prove whether an employee is a regular marijuana user — and links between positive drug tests and employee performance are weak. Some experts believe testing for marijuana intoxication should stay in place, particularly in industries that operate heavy machinery, though they agree the type of testing must evolve.
 
With the increased legalization of marijuana, many businesses and politicians are reconsidering workplace drug testing. Though drug testing likely won't disappear forever, experts predict the scope of testing will decrease — and they say the type of
testing should change.
 
Ohio has a somewhat adaptive and modern approach marijuana and it’s medical application. In the state, it is now possible to obtain marijuana and related products with legal status. After obtaining your state of Ohio medical marijuana card from doctors such as ours, Certified to Recommend(CTR) medical marijuana.
 
Recently, On April 9, 2019, the New York City Council enacted a bill banning pre-employment testing for marijuana use. The bill passed on a 41−4 vote and is expected to be signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio. 
 
The City Council’s bill prohibits New York City employers from requiring a prospective employee to submit to a marijuana drug test as a condition of employment. The bill includes exceptions for safety and security sensitive jobs and those tied to a federal or state contract or grant. Law enforcement personnel, commercial drivers and construction workers specifically are exempted under the bill. Any positions requiring the supervision and care of children, medical patients or vulnerable persons also are exempted.
 
When it comes to drug testing for marijuana, the proliferation (and variance) of medical marijuana laws have complicated the picture for employers. While still illegal under federal law, state and even local laws regarding medical marijuana can cause confusion for what could be argued as a legitimate reason for having marijuana in one’s system. Of course, for a federally required test, the ruling for marijuana is clear – a positive test is a positive ruling and thereby a violation.
 
No stance on marijuana legalization takes into consideration the added costs these tests present to employers. Most companies will need to assess this from a cost/ benefit perspective. Are any benefits with respect to increased productivity, decreased accidents, etc., that may be attributable to workplace drug testing worth the associated costs? Given that these costs have risen substantially in recent years—now representing a nontrivial expense for employers—the answer to this question is not obvious. However, it should be known that employers in the State of Ohio are entitled to their own policy as it relates to marijuana. For a deeper look into the stance of Ohio employers in light of new Ohio Medical Marijuana laws, CLICK HERE.

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​If you are an Ohioan suffering from one of these 21 medical conditions you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both THC and CBD products.

Click here to learn more about what My Marijuana Card's state-certified medical marijuana doctors can do for you, or give us a call at (419-237-7119) and our friendly patient coordinators can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment. ​