Maryland: Lawmakers Advance Legislation Providing Employment Protections for Firefighters’ Off Duty Use of Medical Cannabis

Members of the House and Senate have passed legislation (HB 797 | SB 439) prohibiting employment discrimination against firefighters and other rescue workers who use state-authorized medical cannabis products while off-duty.

Both bills passed their respective chambers by votes of nearly 3 to 1, with House members advancing its version of the bill on Thursday by a vote of 100 to 31.

NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano testified before lawmakers on behalf of the legislation, stating: “Over 100,000 residents are registered in Maryland to legally access medicinal cannabis products. This includes firefighters and other rescue workers who typically consume it to mitigate symptoms of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and other serious health conditions. Patients who take traditional medications – including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other therapeutics that may temporarily influence mood or judgment – do not face punishment in the workplace unless their on-the-job performance is impaired. Patients who consume medical cannabis during their off-hours should be treated equally.

NORML has worked closely with various firefighters’ unions in support of the effort. Earlier this year, officials in in Howard County (population: 335,000) adopted a similar ordinance.

Baltimore County (population: 854,000), Frederick County (population: 287,000), and the city of Annapolis (population: 40,000) have already enacted local ordinances abolishing marijuana drug screening for most public employees.

An action alert in support of HB 979 and SB 439 is available from NORML’s Take Action Center.