VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — House Bill 1862 makes it illegal for your company to fire or discipline you for using medical cannabis oil, if you have written approval from a medical practitioner.
"What struck me is this seemed to be a natural extension of legalization that we already have for medicinal purposes. Seemed a natural extension to protect the employees," said Charles Allenburg, who practices federal sector employment law
He said the bill does more than just protect employees.
"It provides some protections for employers legitimate business interests, having a safe workplace and maintaining the ability to obtain contracts which may bar such usage," Allenburg said.
The bill has two caveats: one allowing an employer to take action for any work impairment caused by cannabis oil, and the other to allow the employer to take action if the bill would cause the employer to lose federal contracts or federal funding.
The bill also gives employers disciplinary and discharge rights if an employee is in possession of cannabis oil on company property.
"We have a very large military presence here. Department contractors who would be very concerned if they would lose the ability to get those federal contracts," said Allenburg, noting Hampton Roads' unique economy in explaining the consequences.
Jenn Michelle Pedini is the Executive Director for the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and Development Director for the national organization for NORML.
"This is an important step forward. We need to work swiftly to eliminate suspicion-less testing altogether," Pedini said.
Medical marijuana groups have long pursued these protections.
" A medical workgroup met over the summer [and] this is one of the issues that came up during conversations. It is really important to patients that they be able to hold jobs while being registered," said Pedini.