Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has signed legislation (SB 439) into law prohibiting employment discrimination against firefighters and other rescue workers who use state-authorized medical cannabis products while off-duty.
Under the new law, neither an employer or a labor organization may “discipline, discharge, or otherwise discriminate” against any fire and rescue public safety employee solely for testing positive for cannabis, if they are enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis access program.
NORML worked closely with various firefighters’ unions in support of the effort, and NORML members generated over 700 letters to lawmakers urging them to advance the bill. Testifying before lawmakers in March, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “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 Board Member Chris Cano, who appeared at today’s bill signing, added, “This legislation sets an important precedent for protecting licensed professionals from unjust discipline while respecting the will of Maryland voters and lawmakers who have legalized cannabis.” Cano serves as Director of Political & Legislative Affairs on Behalf of SEIU Local 500.
Earlier this year, officials in Howard County (population: 335,000) adopted a similar ordinance protecting off-duty medical cannabis use by county firefighters.
Baltimore County (population: 854,000), Frederick County (population: 287,000), and the City of Annapolis (population: 40,000) have previously enacted local ordinances abolishing marijuana drug screening for most public employees.
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