A Washington DC bill will prohibit employers from adversely affecting the employment of a marijuana … [+]
The Washington DC Council approved a bill that provides broad protections for marijuana users in the city. The bill, titled the Cannabis Employment Protections Amendment Act of 2022, prohibits employers from adversely affecting the employment of any person who uses marijuana, even if they test positive for the drug. If the bill is signed by Mayor Muriel Brown, passes Congressional review, and is funded, it will become effective one year later.
The bill will prohibit employers in the District from refusing to hire a job candidate or terminating, suspending, failing to promote, or demoting an employee, or otherwise penalizing an individual based on their use of cannabis, status as a medical cannabis patient, or for testing positive for cannabis absent impairment.
While the bill will impact most employers in the District, the bill identifies several exceptions that permit employers to deny employment to candidates or employees within safety-sensitive occupations, including:
- “The provision of security services, such as police, special police, and security officers, or the custodianship, handling, or use of weapons, including firearms;”
- “Regular or frequent operation of a motor…
