Local Marijuana Laws Don’t Change Employers’ Drug-Free Workplace Rights

The Cleveland City Council recently proposed an ordinance to decriminalize marijuana possession. If Cleveland’s proposed ordinance passes, it would join other Ohio cities such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Dayton in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.

OMA Connections Partner Frantz Ward reminds employers that despite the trend, Ohio law allows employers to discipline, terminate, refuse to hire, or take other adverse action against individuals based on use, possession, or distribution of marijuana. Changes in local law are “not likely to impact Ohio employers who wish to maintain drug-free workplaces.” 1/22/2020