Benefits Think The cannabis conundrum: What are workers’ rights?

Published August 9, 2019 10:17 AM EDT Updated August 16, 2019 11:04 AM EDT 3 Min Read

The legalization of cannabis across the country presents uncharted territory for many companies. HR departments are tasked with meeting the challenges associated with new laws related to random drug and pre-employment testing, as well as a host of cultural issues. Organizations are also collaborating with EAP providers on what seems to be a moving target. Meanwhile, EAPs themselves struggle to balance the healing potential of medicinal cannabis with its addictive properties and unclear side effects.

Cannabis is illegal on the federal level and yet legal in a growing number of states, leaving HR professionals in a difficult position. More than 34 states have now legalized cannabis for medical use and 10 for recreational use. Here are some HR and legal issues to be considered.

Kathleen Greer

Founder

Kathleen Greer is Founder and Chairman of KGA, a human resources services firm that specializes in employee assistance and work-life programs. She can be reached at greer@kgreer.com.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.

Benefits Think AI in ADA and FMLA decision-making: How employers, TPAs, and software vendors are deploying compliant solutions

A senior VP and employee benefits expert at Gallagher explains what is being done to ensure oversight as AI becomes more widely used in the workplace.

September 22

Alec Herring

Benefit management

Small businesses face a growing HR gap — and rising compliance risks

For smaller organizations without dedicated human resources staff, routine tasks can mask bigger risks tied to employee disputes, benefits administration, and compliance requirements.

By Jimmy Nesbitt

Reporter

Employee Benefits News

September 21

Benefits Think The business case for effective multilingual education

When speakers of other languages enroll with confidence, receive support and use plans wisely to contain costs and reduce claims, everybody wins.

September 21

Melissa Burkhart

Benefits Think It’s time to re-evaluate paid parental leave

The goal is to strike a thoughtful balance that supports employees during important life events while maintaining productivity, managing costs and ensuring equitable access.

September 14

Shauna Bryngelson

Employee benefits

With GLP-1s raising costs, employers are finding new ways to reduce spending

As healthcare expenses approach double-digit increases, employers are looking for savings in waste, care delivery, and plan administration before cutting benefits.