Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has reportedly signed a bill that will protect residents from facing workplace punishment for cannabis use. Under the bill, city supported employers will be barred from “firing, failing to hire, or taking other personnel actions against an individual for use of cannabis.”
“[The bill would] prohibit employers from firing, failing to hire, or taking other personnel actions against an individual for use of cannabis, participating in the medical cannabis program, or failure to pass an employer-required or requested cannabis drug test, unless the position is designated safety sensitive or for other enumerated reasons,” the bill’s text reads.
As mentioned in the proposed bill, there are certain occupations that will not be protected under this bill. Specifically, law enforcement officers, childcare professionals, construction workers and those operating large vehicles may still be scrutinized for their cannabis use in the workplace.
With the support of Mayor Muriel Bowser, the bill will return to the District Council where it is expected to pass. From there, the bill must undergo congressional review before formally becoming law.
