Illinois Medical Marijuana Law Poses Workplace Dilemma

Illinoisans hoping to make use of the state’s fledgling medical marijuana law may risk their jobs if their employers opt to maintain or adopt zero-tolerance drug policies.

The Rockford Register Star reported that the law that took effect in January protects patients from arrest or prosecution for using marijuana. But they may not have recourses if their employers fire them for violating on-the-job prohibitions on use of the drug.

It’s not immediately clear how many patients’ jobs would be affected. But experts say it may be time for employers to revisit or tweak their drug policies to reflect the new law.

As a Chicago lawyer specializing in labor issues, Nesheba Kittling says employees should research their work drug policies.