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

• Medical marijuana could soon be covered under workers comp in N.J.

State lawmakers took steps on two bills Thursday that could bring protections for companies that insure cannabis-related companies in the Garden State and also allow those on workers’ compensation to have their medical weed covered.

• Was Worker's Firing for Medical Marijuana Use Discriminatory?   

Hearing arguments Tuesday, the NJ State Supreme Court is considering whether a funeral home was required to accommodate its employee's use of medical marijuana.

• If Marijuana is Legalized, How will it affect Drivers?

Fatal crashes involving Washington state drivers who tested positive for the recent use of marijuana has doubled since the state legalized the drug in December 2012, according to the latest research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

• AAA Northeast Comes Out Against Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

The American Automobile Association and its Northeast branch, which includes Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic and Union counties, came out on Friday against legalizing recreational marijuana use, citing an increase in accidents in Washington State after legalization went into effect there in December of 2012.

• What I’ve learned from covering the cannabis industry over the past 2 years

When the zygote of NJ Cannabis Insider first emerged in December 2017, the idea was simple — with the election of Gov. Phil Murphy and the possibility of legalization on its way, we should be covering the cannabis industry.

• Pennsylvania Court Allows Medical Pot User To Proceed With Wrongful Termination Suit

In a recent decision, Palmiter v. Commonwealth Health Systems, the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas held that: (a) the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act (“MMA”) creates a private right of action for wrongful termination; and, alternatively, (b) an employee who claims to have been terminated for medical marijuana use authorized under the MMA can bring a claim of wrongful termination in violation of public policy.

• Marijuana’s Medicinal Upside Could Change the of Workforce Future of Workforce

For most of its history marijuana has been deemed not safe for work. But as attitudes and uses for marijuana change, some positive ripple effects are finding their way into the office.

• Study links lower comp frequency to medical marijuana law

A study released earlier this month showed a 6.7% decline in workers compensation claim activity where states have approved medical marijuana.

• Official: Injury claims could rise with recreational pot

North Dakota could see a rise in workers' compensation claims if marijuana is legalized, the state's workplace safety agency told lawmakers Tuesday.

• Their view: Recreational weed doesn’t work for employers

While Lt. Gov. John Fetterman crusades on legalizing recreational marijuana, one poll released last fall suggests Pennsylvanians may not be eager to jump on the bandwagon.

• Hot topics in brief: cannabis, corporate consolidation and telemedicine

Comfort, convenience and consolidation: These goals have become change agents in the veterinary industry, spurring new trends like cannabis use, telemedicine and “big boxing” of veterinary hospitals

• Manufacturers that Offer top-paid, skilled jobs oppose efforts in Connecticut to legalize marijuana

As Connecticut lawmakers take another crack at legalizing marijuana and Gov. Ned Lamont moves to establish a regulatory apparatus, supporters are running into opposition from manufacturers and defense contractors alarmed that employees, with cannabis in their systems, could show up for work off their game.

• Tricky questions emerge for employers over medical marijuana in the workplace

A rapidly evolving set of state and local laws have reshaped the legal landscape concerning the use of marijuana. Once prohibited in all 50 states, marijuana has now gained some form of legality in all but three states.

• Opioid crisis prompts construction company, other businesses to tackle addiction in the workplace

The opioid epidemic was in its infancy when Scott Elam, the risk manager and director of training for Wright Brothers Construction Company, first learned five years ago that his company needed to change its approach to addiction.

• Working Together for a Drug-Free Workforce

Opioid and drug misuse affects every Arkansas workplace. This problem creates daily challenges for employers as it touches the lives of employees and their families

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