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

• You can’t be fired in N.J. for failing drug test because of medical marijuana, court rules

New Jersey’s top court ruled Tuesday that workers can’t be fired for failing a drug test because of medical marijuana.

***look for our Quarterly Update via email later this month as Stephen Trimboli, Esq. will summarize this NJ Supreme Court ruling and provide his analysis for our members.***

• The 2019 Honig Act Means New Obligations for New Jersey Employers around Cannabis at Work

Employers cannot afford to ignore the direct impact of the 2019 amendments to the law permitting legal medicinal marijuana use in New Jersey

• Will the N.J. cannabis ballot referendum pass? This mayor thinks it could but more outreach needs to happen

Colleen Mahr is the mayor of Fanwood, and the immediate past president of the League of Municipalities.

• Despite favorable poll numbers, N.J. legal weed activists say don’t take legalization for granted.

There’s just 242 days until legal weed finally gets its day at New Jersey’s ballot box, and while many are optimistic the measure will pass, they caution against complacency.

• Panel to regulate legal weed in N.J. finally gets its first member. But it needs 4 more.

Months after many in the marijuana industry expected to see New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission up and running, only one top state official has made his pick.

• Lampitt & Downey Bill Permitting Authorization of Medical Cannabis Use via Telemedicine Passes Assembly Committee

In an effort to help more New Jersey patients access the pain relief they need, Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden, Burlington) and Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) sponsor a bill that would allow health care practitioners to remotely authorize medical marijuana use via telemedicine.

• New Regulations Emphasize Discounts to Delaware Employers with Drug-Free Workplace Programs

Delaware is reminding its employers that a safe, drug-free workplace can pay. 

• NSC to NY governor: Prioritize worker, roadway safety if legalizing recreational marijuana

The National Safety Council is concerned about a measure included in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) recent budget proposal that would legalize recreational marijuana use and is offering recommendations.

• Weed in the Workplace: Employers May Still Outlaw on-site Use of Marijuana, experts Say

The textile care industry, including self-service laundries, is paying attention to the issue, as evidenced by the general educational session on Workplace Risks of Legalized Marijuana that drew a sizable crowd during last year’s Clean Show.

• VA memo reminds staffers they can be fired for marijuana use

Veterans Affairs employees can still be fired for using marijuana even in states where the drug is legal, department officials said in a new message sent out to employees this week.

• Michigan deals with questions surrounding legalized marijuana and employment

Marijuana dispensaries opening their doors throughout Michigan are leaving employers with pressing questions.

• Compassion: A new treatment for addiction?

As the opioid crisis grows, more employers are pivoting toward connecting workers to treatment and, ultimately, keeping them on the job.

• How much more do you know about opioids?

Seventy-five percent of Indiana employers report that substance abuse impacts the workplace in absenteeism, shortage of workers, negative publicity for the company, decreased productivity, increased insurance costs, accidents and theft.

• New Cannabis Czar Marijuana is the Right Thing to Do

Norman Birenbaum, the new cannabis policy guru for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, described legalizing recreational marijuana in New York as a moral imperative.

• 7 On Your Side Investigates: What's pot and what's not? Many police tests can't tell the difference

It's legal to have hemp and hemp-based CBD products in New York and New Jersey, provided it has .3% or less of THC.

• New Mexico Fails To Legalize Recreational Marijuana, but There's Always 2021

New Mexico won’t become the 12th state to legalize recreational marijuana - at least, not yet.

• Alcohol In the Workplace *hic* Quiz!

How much do you know about alcohol use and abuse in the workplace?

• Employee Handbook Can Be a Best Defense

When it comes to protecting themselves and their employees, the best course of action for business leaders is to get it in writing. Discipline and accusations should all be documented. 

• Expanding workplace wellness to mental health

Workplace wellness programs typically target employees’ physical health through weight loss and healthy eating initiatives, measured by clinical benchmarks like Body Mass Index, cholesterol and blood pressure.

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