.png)
There is some good news for Missouri residents who work as employees for St. Louis County. Local lawmakers recently voted to end marijuana testing for county workers. If you are employed for St. Louis County, now is the perfect time to get your Missouri medical marijuana card.
Historic Vote Ends Marijuana Testing
Earlier this month during a meeting of the St. Louis city council, a bill passed that would end cannabis screenings for most county employees. This decision was perhaps inspired by changes made in another Missouri city. Last fall, Kansas City voted to ban all pre-employment marijuana testing for most local government employees.
This legislation is on the heels of a bill passed late last year by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, which decriminalized cannabis possession and cultivation. Mayor Jones, when signing the bill, stated “This law will help reduce racial disparities in our policing, make our city safer and make St. Louis more competitive in hiring for city positions.”
The specifics of the newly passed St. Louis County bill, which passed by a vote of 4-3, states that “No person currently employed by St. Louis County or applying for employment by St. Louis County shall be required to undergo pre-employment or random drug testing for the presence of marijuana metabolites (THC) as a condition or part of employment.”
This is part of a positive national trend that is making cannabis more accessible to government employees. Lawmakers recently enacted similar ordinances in Atlanta, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and a similar resolution is being discussed in New Orleans.
Sensitive Positions May Still Be Tested
While this new bill prohibits prospective employees and most current county workers from being tested for cannabis, certain sensitive positions may still be subject to screenings for medical marijuana.
Among the exceptions stated in the bill are employees who use heavy machinery, vehicles, law enforcement officers, and anyone who is in a position that has federal drug testing requirements. Employees who have a history of infractions involving being intoxicated while on the job may also still be required to undergo testing.
What About NON-County Employees
Marijuana is medicine, but unfortunately many employees still face discrimination due to the unfair stigma that has followed cannabis use for decades. Having your Missouri medical marijuana card goes a long way to explaining that you are using cannabis to improve your overall well being, but that may not be enough for some employers.
This shift in drug testing for county employees is causing many Missouri workers to wonder whether or not they can get fired for using medical marijuana, even with a Missouri medical card. The good news is that the winds of change are signaling a shift in the national conversation surrounding the medicinal value of cannabis. Many independent employers may soon change their stance on medical marijuana.
At the moment, Missouri has an at-will policy regarding employer testing, meaning each individual employer can set their own rules regarding medical marijuana use. It’s up to you to know the risks involved. Be smart, be discreet, and be aware of whether or not your company has a clear policy on medical marijuana use.
Does This Tide Change Mean Recreational Marijuana Will Pass?
As Missouri continues to make medical marijuana more accessible to state residents, many are wondering if legal recreational cannabis use is something we can look forward to. The short answer is that recreational marijuana in Missouri is a very real possibility, but even if it does get passed, it’s going to take time before cannabis is legal for non-medicinal use.
Many state lawmakers are in the process of drafting proposed legislation that will further the discussion on recreational cannabis use and may get the wheels turning towards a potential vote later this year. It’s important to note that even if recreational marijuana legislation passes, it could be a long road from the time the law goes through to the time that recreational cannabis is actually available in the state. Remember, medical marijuana was legalized in Missouri in 2018. But, the first dispensaries didn’t actually open for business until the Fall of 2020.
If you are someone who is holding off on getting your medical marijuana card because you’re waiting for recreational cannabis to become available, you may want to reconsider your stance. Why wait years to get legal, natural relief when a medical card will allow you to walk into any Missouri dispensary and walk out with high-quality medical marijuana?
Relief Is Available. We Can Help!
There has never been a better time to experience the relief that cannabis provides. All you need is a Missouri medical marijuana card. If you don’t have your card yet, we can help. Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!
Comments