WAPAKONETA, OH (WLIO) - Now that marijuana is legal for adults in Ohio, many business owners have questions about what that could mean for them.
The Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce addresses those questions about the new marijuana law and more at their monthly Business Brew. Lawyers from FGKS Law say they have been fielding questions from business owners since November after state issue two was approved by voters. They have some advice for business owners who wonder if they can still enforce their drug-free workplace policies with the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio.
"Don't panic. You know it's a new law and there are a lot of questions. But the law has also enabled employers to continue to enforce their drug-free, alcohol-free workplace policies," says Collen Gong, Attorney FGKS Law. "So, think about recreational marijuana as how you would treat alcohol in the workplace. In terms of how you would tolerate it, your testing policies, things like that."
"We are recommending that the policies be updated, but they don't necessarily have to be changed. Because employers can still prohibit the use of marijuana among their workforce," adds Bryan Niemeyer, Attorney FGKS Law. "But it is best practice to modify the policies to make that very clear. So, the employees know that we are still enforcing our substance abuse policies."
They also recommend companies review their policies regarding marijuana use and testing with their employees so everyone is on the same page.
