Annapolis, MD — A recently introduced bill that would protect Maryland fire and rescue workers from certain disciplinary actions for off-duty medical cannabis use has advanced out of the state Senate.
The Senate passed the bill (S.B. 1023), introduced by Sen. Carl Jackson (D-Baltimore), with a 31-13 vote on March 17. It’s now under consideration by the House Economic Matters Committee.
A companion bill, H.B. 1408, was introduced Feb. 7 in the House by Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Bowie) and has been referred to the Economic Matters Committee.
Under the legislation, fire and rescue workers who are registered medical cannabis patients couldn’t be penalized by their employer for testing positive for or participating in a legal state program. However, employers would still be allowed to:
- Adopt policies and procedures that prohibit a fire and rescue public safety employee from performing duties while impaired by medical cannabis.
- Prohibit workers’ medical cannabis use within 12 hours before reporting for a work assignment.
If signed by Gov. Wes Moore (D), the bill would go into effect Oct. 1.
