Ohio: Recreational Cannabis Legalized
Effective December 7th, 2023, recreational cannabis will be legal in Ohio for adults 21 and older. The sale, purchase, and possession of cannabis is allowable in specific quantities by Ohio residents.
Employers were also given protection due to this new law. Employers do not have to permit or accommodate an employee’s use, possession, or distribution of cannabis at the workplace. In addition, an employee can refuse to hire, discharge, discipline, or otherwise take adverse action against an individual because of their use, possession, or distribution of cannabis in the workplace. They also may establish and enforce a drug testing policy, drug-free workplace policy, or zero-tolerance drug policy. If an employee is discharged due to cannabis use in violation of the employer’s policy, it is considered to be just cause.
This marks yet another state that has legalized recreational cannabis. Employers may want to consider changing their drug policies to allow for the lawful, off duty use of cannabis, if they operate in a state that has legalized it.
To view the law, you can find the employer protections here.
Get day-to-day updates on Ohio Recreational Cannabis laws , visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).
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