Marijuana laws are complex, varying drastically throughout the United States.  Staying up-to-date on the facts about marijuana legislation in the state and workplace is important.

In the past 50 years, there has been a greater than fivefold increase in support for marijuana legalization.  State laws have followed this trend.  Currently, 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, have fully legalized marijuana. 

However, marijuana remains illegal in some states.  Some of the strictest states include Idaho, Kansas and South Carolina.  Other states permit medical marijuana, but not recreational marijuana, which adds further complexity.  Additionally, other states have decriminalized marijuana, but have not fully legalized it. 

Another factor to consider is marijuana in the workplace.  Close to half of the users in legalized states report that they use cannabis before or during work.  States are grappling with how to approach this, particularly regarding drug tests.  Currently, several states have made pre-employment drug tests illegal; however, some states still permit employers to discipline employees for working while under the influence. 

As opinions on marijuana usage continue to evolve, state legislation will evolve as well.  It is important to be aware of current laws, as well as how employers approach marijuana in the workplace. 

Source: US Drug Test Centers