Marijuana Legislation Updates

Posted: June 25, 2022

It’s no surprise that the first half of 2022 has been a busy one for marijuana legislation. As of the beginning of June 2022, 19 states have legalized recreational marijuana and 37 states allow for medical marijuana use. 

Here are a few midyear updates:

Washington D.C. – Washington D.C.’s Council voted unanimously to pass a bill that prevents employers for terminating their employees for marijuana use for recreational or for medical purposes. Washington D.C. employers are forbidden to “refuse to hire, terminate from employment, suspend, fail to promote, demote, or penalize” employees for using marijuana or test positive for it on a drug test. The one catch is the bill doesn’t cover employer-designated “safety sensitive” positions that might include construction workers, police officers, medical workers, etc.

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in the state in May. The law says that adults (21 and older) can “possess up to an ounce of cannabis, may grow cannabis within their primary residence—up to certain limits—and possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis in addition to live plants.” Rhode Island is the 19^th state to legalize recreational marijuana use.

Louisiana – Louisiana’s governor recently approved several medical marijuana reform bills, including expanding the number of medical dispensaries that may operate in the state.

Virginia – the Virginia General Assembly recently approved a budget bill that recriminalizes the personal possession of over four ounces of marijuana in public.

Kansas – Kansas is one of the few states that has not budged on its marijuana laws. However, Governor Laura Kelly recently took a small step by signing a bill that allows Kansas residents to consume FDA-approved medicine derived from cannabis.

Keeping up with the ever-changing marijuana laws can make your head spin, so Info Cubic is here to help keep track of drug laws and help with all your compliance needs. For specific questions on marijuana use in your state, please contact us at (877) 360-4636.