The U.S. federal government and state governments make it less than easy to understand cannabis-related laws. As every state enacts different policies with dozens of complex specifications, regulations surrounding medical marijuana in the workplace have become an unnecessarily confusing topic. Since we know you may not feel comfortable discussing the tolerance policy with your employer, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know regarding workplace regulations from the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act below.
Mississippi Laws on Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
Mississippi is a medical-only state, meaning the legalization of marijuana only applies to those with qualifying health conditions. To legally purchase, carry, or consume marijuana, you must have a qualifying medical condition. While some states allow for recreational use, Mississippi still prohibits this action.
Marijuana workplace laws vary from state to state. Since medical marijuana falls under the ADA-compliance blanket, many states have strict laws protecting employees and public health. For example, in some states, employers are not allowed to administer drug tests and must allow their employees with medical cards to use medical marijuana while at work.
Mississippi’s Policies on Medical Marijuana
Mississippi has many strict requirements surrounding medical marijuana, but none apply to workplace environments. For example, to acquire a medical card, you must go through the following steps:
- Visit an approved healthcare provider.
- Receive a confirmed diagnosis for an approved condition with a written certification.
- Register the certification with the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
- Apply for the program.
- Wait for approval confirmation.
- Purchase the processing and renewal fees.
- Re-visit your doctor according to the scheduling requirements.
After completing the steps above, you may receive your medical card, though you may not necessarily be able to use cannabis at your existing job. Regardless of your health condition, Mississippi does not require employers to allow their employees to consume marijuana on or off the job. While employers in certain states cannot discriminate against medical marijuana employees, Mississippi does not have any laws preventing this from happening.
Can You Use Medical Marijuana While at Work?
Whether or not you can use medical marijuana in the workplace depends on your employer’s policies. Mississippi does not require employers to allow their workers to use medical cannabis while at work. Employers also have the right to discipline employees that use medical cannabis while on the job, including employees that work while under the influence, even if they consumed it before arriving at work.
If you’re unsure about your company’s rules, you can review the substance abuse policy or speak with your HR or management team. If you discuss your needs in a professional manner, you may be able to create an agreement.
Can a Failed Drug Test Affect Your Employment Status?
Mississippi does not prevent employers from drug testing their workers or making employment status decisions based on the test results. Your employer may drug test you prior to employment, at any point during your employment, or after incidents. If the drug test returns positive, your employer may choose to terminate your position.
We recommend reviewing your company’s drug testing policies before beginning medical marijuana, so you know what to expect. If your company does administer drug tests, you can consider speaking with your managers ahead of time about your medical allowance to see if everyone can come to an agreement. Keep in mind that many types of medical strains, including recreationally legal alternatives, can still remain in your system and appear on drug tests for weeks or months after consumption.
Continue Learning About Medical Marijuana with LeafMed
Understanding the complexities surrounding recreational cannabis and medical marijuana in the workplace isn’t easy. At LeafMed, we want to help you learn everything you need to know about medical marijuana so you can confidently begin your healing journey. Visit our LeafMed dispensaries in Mississippi to shop for products, or contact our team with any questions.