Maine Adds Protections for Marijuana Users in the Workplace

Maine has become the first state in the country to block employers from discriminating against marijuana users. As of February 9, employers can’t refuse to hire someone or punish an employee if they use marijuana during their personal time. Repercussions can still occur if an employee comes to work high or uses marijuana in the work place (or during work hours).

The Labor Department says that the mere presence of THC in someone’s system doesn’t prove they came to work high, according to Civilized. The Labor Department has removed marijuana from the list of substances that can be tested for by employers.

Legalization is still a little hazy in Maine. The state’s lawmakers have had a difficult time agreeing on a bill that implements the new law. The new law does, however, still protect medical marijuana users.