What to Know, What to Do, Before the Cannabis Legalization Tide Sneaks Up on You
- Room: South Pacific A-B
- Session Number: LR5
Friday, October 22, 2021: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Speaker(s)
Description
As of now, 44 states have decriminalized marijuana or legalized it for medicinal uses. Federal legalization appears to be increasingly likely, if not imminent. Some states have already enacted legislation protecting marijuana users under anti-discrimination statutes. In light of these rapidly evolving laws, the legalization of marijuana raises many concerns for employers and workers’ compensation professionals. These questions range from concerns about ensuring workplace safety, to complying with state drug-free workplace regulations, to securing insurance premium discounts and affirmative defenses to workers’ compensation claims. This session will consider the impact of legalized cannabis use on workplaces, and present timely tips and strategies for navigating the legalization of marijuana.
Track(s)
Learning Objectives
• Understand the legal framework behind the legalization of cannabis, including the potential confusion where state and federal laws seem to conflict
• Gain insight into the effectiveness of affirmative defenses under workers’ compensation laws in the wake of legalized marijuana
• Obtain best practices for crafting workplace safety and workers' compensation policies, particularly with respect to drug testing and anti-discrimination laws
Handout(s)