Maryland: Governor Signs Bill Into Law Providing Employment Protections for Firefighters’ Off-Duty Use of Medical Cannabis
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed SB 439 into law, prohibiting employment discrimination against firefighters and rescue workers using state-authorized medical cannabis products while off-duty, effective October 1st.
- The law prevents employers and labor organizations from disciplining or firing public safety employees solely for a positive cannabis test if they are enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis access program.
- NORML collaborated with firefighters’ unions and advocates, generating over 700 letters to lawmakers and emphasizing equal treatment for medical cannabis users compared to those on traditional medications.
- Similar protections for off-duty medical cannabis use have been adopted in Howard County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, and the City of Annapolis, reflecting a growing trend in Maryland to protect medical cannabis users from workplace discrimination.
Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has signed legislation (SB 439) into law prohibiting employment discrimination against firefighters and other rescue workers who use state-authorized medical cannabis products while off-duty.
Under the new law which takes effect October 1st, neither an employer or a labor organization may “discipline, discharge, or otherwise discriminate” against any fire and rescue public safety employee solely for testing positive for cannabis, if they are enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis access program.
NORML worked closely with various firefighters’ unions in support of the effort, and NORML members generated over 700 letters to lawmakers urging them to advance the bill. Testifying before lawmakers in March, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “Over 100,000 residents are registered in Maryland to legally access medicinal cannabis products. This includes firefighters and other rescue workers who typically consume it to mitigate symptoms of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and other serious health conditions. Patients who take traditional medications – including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other therapeutics that may temporarily influence mood or judgment – do not face punishment in the workplace unless their on-the-job performance is impaired. Patients who consume medical cannabis during their off-hours should be treated equally.”
“This victory belongs to countless firefighters, advocates, and partners across Maryland who spoke up, shared their stories, and refused to accept the status quo. We could not have reached this moment without that collective effort,” said Matt Johnson, 2nd Vice President of Howard County Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 2000).
“We are especially grateful to NORML for their unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy, which helped carry this issue across the finish line. Today, we didn’t just change a law. We changed lives,” added Johnson.
NORML Board Member Chris Cano, who appeared at today’s bill signing, added, “This legislation sets an important precedent for protecting licensed professionals from unjust discipline while respecting the will of Maryland voters and lawmakers who have legalized cannabis.” Cano serves as Director of Political & Legislative Affairs on Behalf of SEIU Local 500.
Earlier this year, officials in Howard County (population: 335,000) adopted a similar ordinance protecting off-duty medical cannabis use by county firefighters.
Baltimore County (population: 854,000), Frederick County (population: 287,000), and the City of Annapolis (population: 40,000) have previously enacted local ordinances abolishing marijuana drug screening for most public employees.