Quest Diagnostics did a deep dive into frequently asked questions concerning marijuana, its effects on the body, how many people use it, if companies can drug test for it, whether it is legal and where, and much more! There are a ton of resources included in the article. We wanted to be sure you saw the article and information!

Our partners at Quest Diagnostics posted about the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Testing Programs – Oral/Fluid which was published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, HHS, on October 25, 2019. The guidelines take effect on January 1, 2020 and we wanted to be sure to share it with you.

This Forbes article does a great job of tackling the issue of legalized marijuana and how it affects the workplace, including trying to comply with often conflicting federal, state and local laws. More states are adopting laws to legalize medical marijuana use, and several states have legalized recreational marijuana. It is confusing to say the least! And very difficult to create policies and procedures that comply with the varying laws while still protecting the workplace.

The employer solutions blog at Quest Diagnostics has been very active reporting on drugs in the workplace, the opioid epidemic, new states legalizing marijuana and more. These issues affect all employers and we wanted to be sure you saw it. Quest’s employer solution blog has covered the following topics month.

Nevada - The Governor of Nevada signed AB132, a law prohibiting Nevada employers from refusing to hire job applicants who test positive for marijuana. The law takes effect January 1, 2020. There are a few specific position exceptions outlined, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, employees who must operate motor vehicles as part of their duties, any position which federal or state law require screening tests, and positions which employers deem the safety of others could be affected.

Other Cannabis Related News -

New Jersey - New Jersey extends workplace protections for medical cannabis patients and providers. We are starting to see more and more news concerning the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana nationwide. Employers are having difficulty trying to appropriately respond to the laws in their policies and in the workplace. Adding to the difficulty is that cannabis use, regardless or medical or recreational, is still illegal under federal law.

Illinois - Illinois is the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana, with the passage of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Cannabis Act).