NAPLES, Fla. – Nick Garulay, CEO and founding father of My Florida Inexperienced, expressed help for lately filed laws aimed toward defending public staff in Florida who use medical marijuana as certified sufferers.
HB 83, generally known as the Protections for Public Staff who use Medical Marijuana Act, seeks to handle office challenges confronted by licensed medical marijuana customers.
“This invoice is unquestionably wanted,” Garulay mentioned throughout an interview on Florida’s Voice with Drew Steele. “Florida is a right-to-work state, so an employer can hearth an worker for any cause in any way. However for medical marijuana sufferers, testing constructive for THC shouldn’t value them their job in the event that they’re following the legislation and utilizing it as prescribed.”
WATCH: @NGarulay sheds mild on new senate invoice that can present protections for sufferers who use medical marijuana pic.twitter.com/m9qdrsDDK6
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Garulay highlighted the challenges confronted by medical marijuana sufferers throughout pre-employment screenings and routine drug exams, the place testing constructive for THC usually results in disqualification or termination.
“There are some firms which have leniency clauses for licensed sufferers, nevertheless it’s not widespread. This invoice would assist guarantee protections for individuals who are utilizing medical marijuana legally,” he mentioned.
The proposed laws would defend public staff from opposed employment actions based mostly solely on their standing as medical marijuana sufferers, offered they’re licensed and compliant with state laws.
Garulay additionally expressed hope that federal legalization of medical marijuana may deliver broader office protections.
“As soon as it’s faraway from federal drug testing requirements, it’ll be as much as employers to resolve the way to deal with it. This invoice is a step in the best path for Florida,” he mentioned.
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