A Maryland Senate committee approved a measure to prevent firefighter and rescuers from being punished for using medical marijuana while off duty.
On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee passed the legislation of Sen. Carl Jackson. The vote was 8-2.
According to the proposed law amendment, firefighters and rescue workers registered as medical cannabis patients would not be penalized for their participation in a state-legal program.
Employees could not be “disciplined, terminated, or treated in any other discriminatory manner” by employers based only on positive results of THC metabolites.
The bill also states that they cannot “limit, separate, or classify their employees in a way which would deprive, or tend to deprive, the Fire and Rescue Public Safety employee of employment or other adversely impact the status of the Fire and Rescue Public Safety employee as an employee.”
Employers can continue to enforce zero-tolerance for cannabis use while on duty.
The panel amended the bill before advancing it.
In the original bill, employers were allowed to prohibit employees from using marijuana for 12 hours before they started work. But the wording was changed in the committee because of concerns over the enforcement of this policy.
It also clarifies employers’ right to prohibit intoxication on the job from medical personnel. You can also find out more about adult-use marijuana products. Before, the bill only mentioned medical cannabis.
The sponsor stated that “our courageous fire and rescue staff put their lives at risk every day to protect our community, sometimes even at personal cost” during a Tuesday initial hearing in front of the Finance Committee.
Jackson stated that it was important to provide patients with access to medical treatment, which includes cannabis-based treatments approved by physicians, without having them fear repercussions at work.
The nature of firefighting causes firefighters to experience extreme mental and physical strain. The hazards that firefighters face on the job can lead to chronic pain, PTSD and other conditions. Traditional treatment options such as opioids and other prescription medications can have dangerous side effects—including dependency, cognitive impairment and the reduced ability to function effectively. “Medical cannabis is a viable, safer alternative to opioids that allows firefighters to control their symptoms and maintain their performance at their highest level.”
He continued: “Despite the medical benefits of marijuana, outdated employment policy continues to penalize firefighter who cannot legally use it with a doctor’s supervision.” The contradiction between the medical need and employment policy puts firefighters in a difficult position. It forces them to decide between their careers and their health.
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A companion legislation has been introduced in the House to accompany the Senate Bill. This is currently before the Economic Matters panel of the chamber.
Two months ago, officials from Maryland’s largest county announced that they would be easing marijuana laws for aspiring police officers to increase recruitment in the face of a shortage in staff.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) last month touted legislation in his State of the State address that would expand opportunities for people to have their criminal records for marijuana expunged. Wes Moore, (D), last month in his State of the State Address praised legislation that will expand the opportunities to expunge criminal records for marijuana. This would allow people who have violated the terms of probation or parole to apply to the courts for an expungement.
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Mike Latimer is the photographer.
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