West Virginia: Medical Marijuana is Here, but so is Greater Drug Testing Flexibility

Effective July 1, 2017, the MCA prohibits employers from discharging, threatening, refusing to hire, discriminating against or retaliating against employees due to their status as a registered medical marijuana user.  However, employers are not required to make accommodations for use of medical marijuana on company property, nor is an employer’s ability to discipline an employee for being under the influence of drugs in the workplace limited. The MCA also provides certain safety limitations, such as prohibiting employees from operating motor vehicles while under the influence of marijuana.

Effective July 7, 2017, the SWA expands the circumstances under which employers can conduct drug and alcohol testing.  Employers are now explicitly permitted to require mandatory drug and alcohol testing of employees and applicants as a condition of employment.  Drug testing can also be implemented as part of a standard post-accident investigation, which was previously prohibited in West Virginia. Employers may discipline, and even terminate, employees who refuse to test or who test positive, if the test results are found to violate the employer’s written policy.

Overall, though medical marijuana has been legalized, impact on the workplace can be minimized if employers are prepared. Employers who wish to conduct drug and alcohol testing should immediately implement and distribute to employees a written drug and alcohol policy.

Action Items

1. Review the MCA bill text here and the SWA bill text here.
2. Have drug testing policy documents and procedures revised to reference medical marijuana use and the company’s standards for a drug-free workplace.
3. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

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