![](\"http:\/\/squarehr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/d-c-council-passes-bill-protecting-marijuana-users.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/squarehr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/d-c-council-passes-bill-protecting-marijuana-users-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n?Private-sector employers in Washington, D.C., will not be allowed to fire workers or refuse to hire applicants who test positive for marijuana use, with some exceptions, under a law passed by the D.C. Council on June 7.<\/p>\n
Recreational marijuana use has been legal in the city since 2015, and council members said they believe no worker should be fired for using a legal substance. Marijuana is still considered illegal under federal law.<\/p>\n
The bill has been sent to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for approval. If she signs it, it will become law after a 60-day congressional review.<\/p>\n
We’ve rounded up resources and articles from SHRM Online<\/em> and other trusted outlets on the news.<\/p>\n Exceptions<\/p>\n The new law makes exceptions for workers in safety-sensitive jobs, including operators of heavy machinery, construction workers, police and security guards, and medical professionals.<\/p>\n It also will not apply to federal workers nor to employees caught using or possessing marijuana on the job.<\/p>\n (The Washington Post<\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n State Law Trends<\/p>\n Growing acceptance of marijuana use in recent years has led to the proliferation of state laws legalizing medical and recreational cannabis consumption, as well as a push for employment protections for off-duty use. Here’s what employers need to know about evolving marijuana laws and their impact on the workplace.<\/p>\n (SHRM Online<\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n More Workers Are Testing Positive for Marijuana<\/p>\n The percentage of U.S. workers who test positive for marijuana continues to climb higher as more states legalize the drug for medical and recreational use.<\/p>\n