In the Workplace 2017: How Arkansas Employers Can Deal with Medical Marijuana

Editor's Note: This is the first of five articles this week by the labor and employment team at the law firm of Wright Lindsey Jennings of Little Rock examining key trends for employers and the workplace in 2017. Here's a quick look at important employment issues that could arise next year. Now that Arkansas is the latest state to have a medical marijuana law on the books, Arkansas employers must be prepared to address this issue. Although the amendment to the Arkansas Constitution is effective immediately, it should take some time for most Arkansas residents to take advantage of the approved use of medical marijuana given the regulatory and administrative mechanisms that must be put into place. Arkansas has just 120 days to promulgate rules to implement the amendment. Employment-Related Provisions From an employment perspective, the new law allows "qualifying patients" who have "qualifying medical conditions" certain protections in the workplace. For instance, employers: Cannot "discriminate" against a person (that includes not hiring, disciplining, failing to promote or terminating one's employment) or otherwise penalize a person based upon that person’s past or present status as a "qualifying patient" or "designated caregiver"; Cannot discipline a "qualifying patient" for the medical use (which includes actual use or mere possession) of marijuana in accordance with the amendment if he or she possesses not more than 2 ½ ounces. Under the amen...
Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care - Category: American Health Source Type: news