The NJ Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act was signed into law by Governor Murphy on February 22, 2021, thereby legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and over.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey will continue to keep our members updated on this important issue. Our tool kit is currently undergoing revision to provide updated information on policies and procedures related to the law to assist you in maintaining a healthy, safe and drug-free workplace. Further revision will occur in the months ahead when the Cannabis Regulatory Commission sets forth its requirements for employers.

Bimonthly News Update

• Middletown Township: NJ Poison Center Advisory: Drugged Driving Doesn't Just Involve Alcohol

Typically, when people hear the phrase "driving under the influence" or "drugged driving" it's associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. 

• Cannabis in the workplace: Employers’ obligations

Four New England states now allow medical and recreational use of marijuana, which means local companies must review their current drug testing and substance use policies to ensure they are compliant with state and federal laws.

• Court Dismisses Lawsuit of Employee Fired for Positive Marijuana Drug Test

On April 28, 2021, a United States District Court in California dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former employee – Espindola v. Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., Case 2:20-cv-03702 (C.D. Cal.) – who claimed disability discrimination after he was terminated from his job for testing positive for marijuana in a pre-employment drug test.

• What every U.S. employer can do to help end the overdose epidemic

Drug-overdose deaths surged to an all-time high in 2020, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicate there was a leap of almost 30% in overdose fatalities from 2019.

• Safety Advocates See Strength in Numbers to Combat Suicide and Substance Misuse

Gregg Martin had reached his breaking point…his long undiagnosed mental illness was about to metastasize with a vengeance.

• Health Care Employer FAQs on Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace in New York City

Employers in the health care sector with any operations in New York City face new questions in light of the passage of state and city laws that protect the legal use of marijuana and limit workplace drug testing.

• What Do I Do With My Workplace Drug Policy Now That Cannabis Is Legal in Illinois and My Employees Are Remote?

In January 2020, Illinois legalized the use of recreational marijuana through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (“the Act”).

• Using Tech to Maintain Drug-Free Workplaces?

In its continuing efforts to ensure that workplace cannabis rules protect an employer’s right to maintain a drug-free workplace, NJBIA (New Jersey Business & Industry Association) this week requested the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission make two key regulatory changes based on available technology.  

• Marijuana Applicants License Frustrated With NJ After 2-Year Wait

New Jersey’s efforts to build a recreational marijuana industry have been generally supported by activists and entities in the would-be regulated market – with one notable exception. Patience is wearing thin with how long it’s taking to award licenses.

• Creating Workplace Marijuana Policies

There are new waters to navigate in the state of Connecticut—legalized recreational use of marijuana and the workplace.

• Is drug testing for marijuana a thing of the past?

Marijuana’s nationwide reputation has done a cultural 180, shifting from an illegal substance worthy of jail time, to a medicinal and recreational one that’s protected by anti-discriminatory laws.

• Cannabis Legalization Collides with Workplace Drug Policies

With recreational cannabis legal in 19 states and medicinal use in 36 states, employers increasingly have had to navigate legal and ethical challenges when addressing workplace use.

• Marijuana in the workplace: Are you prepared for the coming storm?

The year was 2019. B.C. (Before COVID). I was attending a local HR networking/professional development association meeting.

• EEOC Sues Rover’s Place for Harassing an Opioid Addict in Recovery

Adog kennel company in suburban Chicago, Rover’s Place, violated civil rights law when it subjected an employee to a hostile work environment, inquired into his medical history, and forced him to quit his job because of his opioid addiction disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed in Illinois yesterday.

• Class Action Suit Claims Butterball’s Alleged Refusal to Hire Medical Marijuana Patients Violates Ark. Constituion

A proposed class action claims turkey meat purveyor Butterball, LLC has violated an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution by refusing to hire medical marijuana users for non-safety-sensitive positions.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey would like to thank the Angel of Hope Gala sponsors below for their continued support

Click the button below to receive your complimentary updates and become a Drugs Don't Work in NJ member

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.