Politics & Government

D.C. Bans Pre-Employment Marijuana Testing

The D.C. Council voted unanimously just one month after residents passed Initiative 71.

The “Prohibition of Pre-Employment Marijuana Testing Emergency Act of 2014” was unanimously passed by the D.C. Council Tuesday.

Although employers will not be allowed to test potential employees for marijuana before employment, this is not the green light to smoke for work.

Presented by Councilmember Vincent Orange, the bill comes after Initiative 71 for personal marijuana use was passed in the Nov. 4 election.

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Read more: How Georgetown Voted on Marijuana Legalization

An employer cannot test a possible employee for marijuana during the hiring process. Only after a conditional offer is extended and during employment can the employer test someone. The act does not protect employees from being denied a position after a job offer upon a positive marijuana result.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The law is local, therefore, federal rules can override in appropriate circumstances.

For the full bill visit the D.C. Council.

Image via Shutterstock

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