Colorado Gov. Polis And California Senate's Reforms In Cannabis-Related Employment Protections

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that solidifies protections for individuals with past cannabis use from facing professional consequences.

This move aims to remove the stigma around cannabis use and provide equal opportunities for all workers.

About The Bill

The 'Prohibit Professional Discipline For Marijuana' bill prevents regulators from denying or revoking professional credentials solely based on previous civil or criminal marijuana judgments.

SB23-265 also ensures that past marijuana-related professional disciplinary actions from other states do not affect licensure in Colorado, as long as they comply with state laws.

The measure received support from both Democrats and Republicans, passing with minimal opposition in the Senate and House. Notably, the legislation received no opposition from special interest groups, further emphasizing the growing acceptance of cannabis in the state, reported CO Original News Break.

The local cannabis industry has praised this development as a step toward destigmatization and opening up employment opportunities for cannabis consumers and patients.

In a parallel development, the California Senate passed a bill to prevent employers from inquiring about a job applicant's past marijuana use.

The measure marks a step towards fair employment practices, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly penalized for their previous marijuana consumption.

About The California Bill

The bill aims to build upon the existing employment protections enacted in the previous session, which already prohibit employers from penalizing employees who use cannabis off-duty and in compliance with state law.

The proposed legislation explicitly states that employers are not allowed to request information about an applicant's previous cannabis use. “It is unlawful for an employer to request information from an applicant for employment relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis,” reads the 'Employment discrimination: cannabis use' bill.

While there are some exceptions for certain occupations such as those in the building and construction trades, as well as roles requiring federal background checks and security clearances, the general objective is to ensure that job applicants are not unfairly discriminated against based on their past marijuana use.

Bill SB-700, sponsored by Sen. Steven Bradford, passed with a strong majority vote of 29-9, and it will now proceed to the Assembly for further consideration, reported Marijuana Moment. Moreover, if the measure successfully makes its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk and is signed into law, it will come into effect on January 1, 2024.

These measures reflect a growing trend toward marijuana reform and seek to address the social and economic consequences of past cannabis convictions.

Related News:

Connecticut House Approves Bill To Erase Cannabis Convictions, Addresses Effects Of Drug War

Pot Prohibition Leads To Misconceptions, Clean Slate For Arizonians With Convictions And More Regs

Elizabeth Holmes, Drug Policy And The Ironic (In)Justice Of Silicon Valley Scandals Versus Weed Convictions

Image Credits: Ramdlon, ganjaspliffstoreuk by Pixabay Edited By Benzinga