Mass.: Two cannabis policy reforms clear legislative committee

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy advanced two cannabis bills — one would improve the medical cannabis program, and the other would provide employment protections for cannabis consumers.

Rep. Michael Soter’s (R) H.176 would allow veterans receiving treatment from the VA to qualify for medical cannabis without a certification from a physician. They could instead submit VA documentation of their qualifying condition, given that VA personnel are not allowed to recommend medical cannabis. H. 176 would also list opioid use disorder and PTSD as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. 

The other cannabis bill that advanced in the committee was Rep. Michael Kushmerek’s (D) H.159. If passed, the bill would prohibit employers from not hiring, firing, or disciplining their employees solely based on a positive THC test, with some exceptions. Employees could not be impaired at work, and the bill excludes safety-sensitive positions and cases with a federal mandate.

If you live in Massachusetts, let your state lawmakers know they should follow the lead of other states that have protected workers’ freedom to use cannabis on their own time.