The use of Cannabis is one of the areas that have been subject to rigorous legislation in America. As a result of these legislations, many states in America have permitted the use of Cannabis for both medical and recreational use. These legislations have also occasioned an evolution in the Cannabis and employment law.
There is a huge debate in America regarding whether cannabis is legal in America and whether company employees can taste for the presence of Cannabis substances in their system or not. This debate is occasioned by the existing conflict between Cannabis federal laws in America and Cannabis state laws in the same state.
A few states in America that have legalized the use of Cannabis in America impose limits on testing employees for the presence of Cannabis in their system. These states do this with the sole aim of protecting employees in those states from any form of discrimination that emanates from the legal use of Cannabis. A good case of this is the state of New York where the use of Cannabis for recreational and medical use is allowed.
This state prohibits testing of their current and prospective employees for the presence of Cannabis. There are also other states in America like the state of Nevada which prohibit denying people jobs on the basis of testing positive for Cannabis or Cannabis related substances.
Drug Free Workplace Policies
While there are varying regulations regarding the use and testing of Cannabis at work places, employers can adopt a drug free workplace policies. These policies must however comply with the relevant state laws and must also take into account the possible impacts of the drugs on the employee morale and retention.
Accommodation for Employees Using Cannabis
In states that permit the use of Cannabis for medical use and maybe recreation use alone, employers should consider accommodating employees with medical recommendations that require the use of Cannabis or Marijuana. Â Such companies or employers are advised to take the same view on the issue as they do with people with disabilities.
 Safety and Sensitive Positions
For company roles which require safety and critical roles and functions, employers in such working environments should consider implementing strict drug testing policies and also provide reasonable accommodations to employees who might need to rely on the use of Cannabis for one reason or the other.
Understanding State Laws is Very Critical
While there still exists a conflict between the state and federal cannabis laws, both employees and employers need to understand the Cannabis state laws of the state in which they operate. These laws are highly fluid and keep changing sometimes to keep up with the federal laws governing the same issue. Having a grip of these laws will help employers and employees know how to apply them without necessarily having to cause a conflict or either of the parties feeling aggrieved by the treatment emanating from the use of cannabis.
Conclusion
The Cannabis employment law is very complex and keeps changing every now and then. Â Employers and employees are requested to take a keen look at these laws and master them to avoid any conflicts that might arise from infringements on the laws.
