It is Labor Day weekend, a perfect time to answer a few questions about marijuana use before, during, or after work. Minnesota law only allows for the use and possession of medical marijuana pills and oils and vaporizing. These methods for ingestion are strictly for medical purposes. Smoking marijuana is illegal even for medicinal purposes. Most testing methods cannot determine how the marijuana is ingested, but remember, this is medical use being discussed. Recreational use remains illegal.
Minnesota medical marijuana use is expensive. Certification is required from your doctor, you must have a qualifying condition, and you must register with and pay a fee to the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Patient Registry. Even if you have a qualifying condition, insurance companies will not cover the cost and monthly supplies can be expensive.
Your employer cannot discriminate against you for medical use. However, there is no language in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis law that allows you to use, possess, or be impaired by medical cannabis while you are on the clock. What about a random drug test from your employer? If are certified and test positive at work, you might lose your job. Minnesota allows for medical use, but Federal law does not, and neither does the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Human Rights Act is not must help either. If you want to know more medical use in the workplace, read about the Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act (DATWA), and Brandon Coats. Enjoy your holiday and celebrate safely.