Bimonthly News Update

We encourage you to share this bimonthly news update with your colleagues and business associates to stay informed on the issues regarding establishing and maintaining a drug-free workplace. A sign-up link can be found at the bottom of this issue for anyone interested in becoming a new member of Drugs Don’t Work in NJ and to directly receive these free updates.

*Disclaimer: Articles and links within articles below do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

• NJ Court Rules Companies Must Pay for Medical Marijuana Appeals Court Rules

In a ruling that could have far-reaching effects, an appeals court in New Jersey ruled this week that a contractor must reimburse a former employee for the cost of the medical marijuana that he uses to treat his incessant pain from a work-related injury.

• NJ Gives New Medical Marijuana Dispensary Green Light to Start Growing Weed

Another medical marijuana business received permission from the state Health Department to grow weed Thursday, becoming the eighth in the state and the fourth in north Jersey.

• All Eyes on Legal Weed Ballot Question, but Insiders Say Other Marijuana Issues Face NJ

Legal weed may be on hold in the Garden State until voters decide in November, but for cannabis industry insiders, the next nine months are stocked with opportunities and challenges.

• Green to Close Marijuana Law Discussion to the Public

GREEN — The township’s medical marijuana law will be discussed Monday by the Green Township Committee but only during the committee’s executive session, which is closed to the public.

• Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: What’s Next?

In 2016, Florida voters soundly passed Amendment 2, Florida’s medical marijuana law, with more than 71 percent of the vote.

• Employee’s Cost of Medical Marijuana to Treat Workplace Injury Reimbursable by Employer

In a case of first impression, the New Jersey Appellate Division held in January 2020 that an employee’s costs to use medical marijuana to treat chronic pain resulting from a work place injury is reimbursable by his employer.

• Q & A with Scott Kiplinger: Oklahoma Laws Allow Employer to Fire Workers Under the Influence of Medical Marijuana at Work

After some turbulence, it appears that the medical marijuana industry is firmly entrenched in the state. 

• 5 Tips for HR Professionals While Preparing for the Legalization of Marijuana in 2020

Cannabis has long been publicized for its calming properties. Lately, however, it’s been having the opposite impact on HR professionals, as they navigate through various court cases and state laws concerning marijuana to create better drug-testing policies and procedures. Military Veteran Fired from School for Medical Marijuana

• Military veteran on unpaid leave for medical marijuana use

Mike Hickman, a former Belleview High School dean who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1990s, was prescribed medical marijuana for post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Tennessee House Adopts Drug-Free Workplace Policy under Changes Pushed by Speaker Cameron Sexton

For the first time, staff members employed by the Tennessee House of Representatives could be subject to drug testing. 

• Should Attempts to Defraud Workplace Drug-Testing Be Criminalized

Business association representatives expressed concern because synthetic urine and urine additives available online are being used to circumvent tests designed to rid workplaces of drug or alcohol use that could create safety concerns.

• Upcoming Presentation: Medical Marijuana - What's a NJ Employer to Do?   

Speaker Emily Bordens, an employment attorney, will discuss what is specifically required with the recent amendments to New Jersey's medical marijuana law and how it affects the workplace.

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