Colorado’s Polis signs bill to prohibit professional discipline for marijuana

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Colorado’s Polis signs bill to prohibit professional discipline for marijuana

Jared Polis signed a bill that solidifies protections for individuals with past cannabis use from facing professional consequences.

The strategy aims to eradicate the stigma associated with cannabis use and offer equal opportunities for all workers.

The bill 'Prohibit Professional Discipline for Marijuana' aims to prevent regulatory bodies from denying or revoking professional certifications solely based on previous civil or criminal marijuana judgments.

A recent marijuana-related professional disciplinary action from other states does not affect licensure in Colorado, as long as they comply with state laws.

The measure received support from both Democrats and Republicans, passing with minimal opposition in the Senate and House. In addition, the legislation received no opposition from special interest groups, further embassizing the growing acceptance of cannabis in the state.

The local cannabis industry has commended this development as a step towards decolonization and opening up employment opportunities for cannabis consumers and patients.

The California Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would prevent employers from inquiring about a job applicant's past marijuana use.

The measure marks a significant step towards fair employment practices, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly penalized for their previous marijuana consumption.

The bill aims to expand on the existing employment safeguards enacted in the previous session, which already prevent employers from discriminating against employees who use marijuana off-duty and in compliance with state law.

Employers can not request information about an applicant's previous cannabis use, the proposed bill states. An employer is entitled to request employment information from an applicant for employment relating to the applicant's prior use of cannabis, reads the bill.

While there are some exceptions for certain jobs like building and construction trades, as well as roles requiring federal background checks and security clearances, the overall objective is to ensure that job applicants are not unfairly discriminated against based on their past marijuana use.

Bill SB - 700, sponsored by Senator Steven Bradford, passed with a strong majority vote of 29 - 9 and will now proceed to the Assembly for further consideration, Marijuana Moment reported. Moreover, if the measure succeeds in reaching the governor, it could have a significant impact on the state's economy. Gavin Newsom's desk and is signed into law and will be effective January 1, 2024.

These measures reflect a growing trend toward marijuana reform and seek to address the social and economic consequences of past cannabis convictions.

Pot Prohibition leads to Misconceptions, Clean Slate for Arizonians with Convictions And More Regs.

Elizabeth Holmes, Drug Policy and The Ironic In Justice Of Silicon Valley Scandals Versus Weed Convictions, appeared in the Los Angeles Times.