A new bill aimed at protecting Maryland’s firefighters and rescue workers from penalties related to medical marijuana use has successfully advanced through the Maryland Senate Finance Committee with an 8-2 vote. The bill, introduced by Senator Carl Jackson (D), seeks to prevent employers from punishing emergency responders for legally using medical cannabis while off duty.

 Key Highlights of the Bill:

1 Protection for Firefighters & Rescue Workers

• The bill ensures that firefighters and emergency responders registered as medical marijuana patients cannot face discrimination, termination, or penalties due to their off-duty cannabis use.

2 Employer Restrictions on THC Testing

• Employers cannot fire, discipline, or reduce benefits based solely on a positive THC test, as long as the employee is off duty and not impaired while working.

3 On-Duty Impairment Policies Still in Place

• Employers retain the right to enforce zero-tolerance policies for on-duty impairment, ensuring that safety in high-risk situations is maintained.

4 Updated Policy on Pre-Work Cannabis Use

• An earlier provision that restricted marijuana use within 12 hours of duty was removed due to concerns about enforcement. However, the bill now explicitly allows employers to prohibit intoxication from medical or recreational cannabis while on duty.

5 Support for Firefighters’ Health & Well-Being

• Many firefighters experience chronic pain, PTSD, and other stress-related conditions due to the nature of their work.
• Traditional treatments, such as opioids, can lead to dependency, cognitive impairment, and reduced work performance.
• Medical cannabis is seen as a safer alternative that allows them to manage symptoms without compromising job performance.

 Why This Bill Matters

• Fair Treatment: Prevents outdated policies from forcing firefighters to choose between their careers and their health.
• Improved Health Options: Recognizes medical marijuana as a legitimate treatment for work-related stress and injuries.
• Aligning with Modern Laws: Ensures state-legal cannabis patients are treated fairly in the workplace.

Senator Jackson emphasized that firefighters put their lives on the line daily and deserve access to physician-approved treatments without fear of job loss. The bill now moves forward for further debate and approval in the Maryland Senate.