Marijuana in the Workplace: How the Laws have Changed After Legalization

How state and Federal Marijuana laws affect the workplace

States have passed a recreational marijuana law to strictly regulate the drug’s use by banning public use and places where it can be easily bought and the quantity that can be grown at home. More importantly, no state law forces an employer to tolerate its use in the workplace. If you recruit, hire or manage employees, you need to know the limits imposed by law – both on individuals and employers – so that you do not run into legal troubles.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

In this webinar, employment law expert Jennifer Komsky will explain the recent legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in California and other states, and provide insights on how to keep the workplace drug free. You will learn how to handle the current conflict between the state and federal laws – and the legislation trends. You will also learn when and how to legally conduct drug screenings/testing, take action against an employee suspected of using marijuana – and what to do if an employee tests positive.

Komsky will also show you how to avoid disability discrimination claims, and advise you on the drug and alcohol policies you should have in place to comply with state and federal laws. You will receive useful reference documents, sample policies, and legislative knowledge for regulations affecting the use, management and discipline concerning marijuana and other substances in California.

AREA COVERED

• How to navigate the landscape of conflicting laws about marijuana and other substances?
• What are the trends in proposed legislation surrounding marijuana?
• When and how can an employer take action against an employee suspected of using marijuana either for recreational or medical use?
• When and how you can legally conduct drug screenings/testing?
• How can you avoid disability discrimination claims when an employee has a medical marijuana card?
• What drug and alcohol policies should you have in place to ensure compliance with state and federal laws?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• The current status of state laws legalizing marijuana in conflict with federal laws criminalizing it
• Trends and proposed legislation impacting the use of marijuana by employees
• Under what circumstances an employer can discipline an employee that appears impaired, even if the impairment is because of medical marijuana for a verified disability
• When and under what scenarios can an employer drug test employees?
• How to manage a positive drug test with no known indicators of impairment?
• Employment actions available in response to a positive drug screening
• Background checks for drug convictions that are no longer illegal—when can they be conducted? What information can be obtained? What information must be provided to the applicant about the process?
• Drug and another medical testing

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

• Business owners
• Human resources professionals
• All professionals charged with ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws