The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has issued guidance for workplaces, as an initial step toward formulating and approving standards for Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert certifications. The Commission establishes and enforces rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, “employees cannot be acted against solely due to the presence of cannabis in their body. However, employers have the right to drug test on reasonable suspicion of impairment.”
Implementing Drug Tests In The Workplace
While drug tests are still evolving and becoming more accurate, there are ways to enforce drug tests within the workplace. The beginning of recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey started earlier this year. However, before April, New Jersey only allowed cannabis for medical reasons. Employers should establish evidence-based protocols to document behaviors and physical signs of impairment. Then, if there is a reasonable cause or suspicion, utilizing a drug test to verify would be the next step.
The new guidelines are intended as the first step toward regulations for certification standards for workplace impairment recognition experts. For the time being, employers can use their established protocols to maintain a drug-free workplace policy.
Guidelines For Employers As States Legalize Marijuana
Employers face complex state laws legalizing marijuana along with conflicting federal laws when developing and implementing workplace drug policies. As more and more states legalize marijuana, a business owner needs to establish drug policies within the workplace while staying compliant. When you partner with GMS, our team helps you create an employee handbook that provides your employees with the policies and guidelines they need to adhere to. In addition, our online HR portal makes it easy for you to measure, track, and review documents. Contact us today to get started.