Recreational pot use 🚬 has been legal in Washington state for a decade, but employers can still use cannabis tests to screen users out of their hiring processes. This is a bit of a disconnect, but a new bill aims to change that.
Unlike alcohol, the chemical markers of pot use (cannabinoids) can remain in the body for months past the point where the person is impaired. That’s the big sticking point that this law addresses.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Washington and its Paychecks?
Here are Five Fast Facts on Washington’s proposed pot testing law:
- 🚫 What It Does - The new bill blocks employers from using a cannabis test as part of the hiring process, as well as restricting job duties based on past cannabis use. No looky, no screeny.
- 🤔 What It Doesn’t Do - It doesn’t prevent hiring decisions based on other drug or alcohol tests. It also doesn’t prevent employers from maintaining a drug-free workplace, or from testing and terminating employees after accidents/impairment while on the job. Ya think?!
- ✈️ Exceptions - There are several notable exceptions in this law, like jobs with security clearances, in the airline or aerospace industries, or if there is a “substantial risk of death” due to potential impairment. You’d have to be actively high to not think these exemptions are a good idea!
- 👍 Supporters Say - Supporters point to the legality of cannabis use in the state, and say that the current situation simply discriminates against cannabis users for past usage, and that this new law would make the state’s view of cannabis more consistent. Consistency, much like recreation itself, is a great thing!
- 👎 Opponents Say - Opponents say that because businesses are responsible (and legally liable) for workplace safety, this bill prevents them from using a key protection to maintain a safe working environment. They say better tests should be developed to identify recent cannabis usage. Let’s get all those techie brains in the area cracking on the problem…oh wait, are they out back smoking…?
🔥Bottom line: It’s hard to know how this will impact Washington’s Paychecks. Obviously, people who use cannabis recreationally will be better off because they will not be blocked from getting a job due to their fantastic Snoop Dog routines during downtime. However, it does seem risky for businesses – not to mention the other workers, and the customers – and that means it’ll almost certainly cost more to take other precautions or have to deal with lawsuits later on. If the bill becomes law, it will kick in on January 1st of 2024.
Does this potential new law concern you?
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