As of December 8, 2022, the landscape of medical marijuana laws in Missouri has significantly evolved. The state’s medical marijuana program now permits adults to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and cultivate personal-use plants within specific parameters. Post February 6, 2023, adults aged 21 and over can legally grow cannabis plants for personal, non-commercial use within an enclosed, locked facility. However, it’s important to note that the state medical marijuana law mandates these plants to be limited to six inches tall. Even as recreational use becomes legal, these measures underscore the state’s intent to maintain a controlled environment around marijuana use. Despite this legalization, challenges remain, particularly for employers navigating the new laws surrounding off-duty use by qualifying medical patients.
Understanding Employee Rights and Limitations Under Missouri’s New Marijuana Legislation
As the new marijuana laws take effect in Missouri, employees and employers alike are navigating this changing landscape. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services now administers a medical marijuana program, allowing MMJ cardholders to cultivate personal-use plants up to six inches tall under their Patient Cultivation Card. However, state medical marijuana laws also place certain restrictions and responsibilities on Missouri employers. While the law protects qualifying medical patients’ off-duty use, it doesn’t permit unrestricted use in all settings, particularly workplaces. This delicate balance aims to ensure both patient rights and workplace safety.
Understanding Missouri’s Medical Cannabis Regulations
This progress was made possible by Amendment 2, approved by voters in 2018, establishing a medical marijuana program. However, to avail of these benefits, a valid medical marijuana card is required. The regulations aim to strike a balance between allowing the use of medical cannabis and maintaining societal norms and safety.
Employment Safeguards for Medical Cannabis Consumers
Missouri’s medical marijuana laws have recently evolved, providing certain protections for registered patients. As of now, employers are restricted from taking adverse action based on off-duty marijuana use by individuals holding a valid medical marijuana card. This development is part of the state’s broader efforts to balance the legal use of medical cannabis with maintaining workplace standards and productivity. Despite these protections, users should be mindful of their responsibilities under the new laws.
Understanding the Caveats to Employment Safeguards
Missouri’s medical marijuana laws have been designed with certain employment safeguards for registered patients. These job protections for medical marijuana users, however, come with a few exceptions. While employers cannot discriminate against employees for their off-duty use of medical marijuana, they are not obliged to accommodate on-duty use or impairment. The state law does not interfere with federal restrictions, and workplaces that fall under federal regulations can still enforce zero-tolerance policies. In essence, even though job protections exist for those holding a valid medical marijuana card, they may not cover all scenarios and circumstances, especially in safety-sensitive positions or federally regulated industries. Patients should be well-versed with these exceptions to prevent any potential job-related complications due to their medicinal cannabis use.
The Path Forward for Employers in Missouri
In the ever-evolving landscape of Missouri’s medical marijuana laws, employers find themselves at a crossroads. PEG Staffing and the Missouri Cannabis Trade recommend that employers familiarize themselves with the regulations surrounding the medical marijuana card and the Patient Cultivation Card. Understanding these cards, the job protections medical marijuana offers and the state medical marijuana laws can help Missouri employers navigate this new terrain. The road ahead may be as challenging as growing a plant to its full 12 inches tall, but it’s a journey worth undertaking.
Medical Cannabis Laws
Missouri’s medical marijuana laws have had a significant impact on its residents. Since February 6, 2023, adults aged 21 and over have been able to legally cultivate cannabis plants for personal, non-commercial use within an enclosed, locked facility. There are limits, though – the plants should not exceed a certain height, typically measured in inches tall.
Ballwin Board of Aldermen unanimously passes pair of marijuana bills
In a landmark decision, the Ballwin Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a pair of marijuana bills, further solidifying job protections for medical marijuana users. This move, backed by both PEG Staffing and the Missouri Cannabis Trade, is a significant step forward for Missouri employers and Patient Cultivation Card holders alike.
In conclusion
Missouri’s legalization of adult-use marijuana, which took effect on December 8, 2022, has brought significant changes for both consumers and employers. Adults are now allowed to legally possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis. However, this shift also poses new challenges for employers who must adjust their workplace policies accordingly. As the landscape evolves, both parties must stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under these new laws.
