Maine Delays Marijuana Law’s Anti-Discrimination Rules

New legislation has passed in Maine that will temporarily stop employers from denying employment or firing someone for off-site marijuana use. The employers, however, won’t be forced to comply until after February 1, 2018.

Under the new act, employers will be able to prohibit use in the workplace, according to SHRM. Employers will also be able to discipline any employee that appears to be high at work. Possession of recreational marijuana remains legal, however, there is still no legal means of purchasing recreational marijuana in the state.

As it stands now, Maine is and may continue to be the only state with employment law protections. Maine lawmakers don’t want people who use marijuana on their own time to have their jobs put in jeopardy.

More changes may be ahead as Maine gets closer to full implementation of Question 1.