Nevada Bans Pre-Employment Marijuana Tests

Obama Admin. Unveils New Policy Easing Medical Marijuana Prosecutions

Nevada residents who like to toke up won't have to worry about applying for a job thanks to a new bill that makes it unlawful for most employers in the Silver State to refuse to hire someone if they test positive for marijuana use.

Governor Steve Sisolak signed the bill into law on Tuesday, saying it was an important step in ensuring economic opportunity for all Nevada residents.

"As our legal cannabis industry continues to flourish, it’s important to ensure that the door of economic opportunity remains open for all Nevadans," Sisolak said in a statement after signing the bill. "That’s why I was proud to sign AB132 into law, which contains common-sense exceptions for public safety and transportation professionals."

AB 132 makes it unlawful for some Nevada employers to refuse to hire someone should they test positive for marijuana use. Assemblywoman Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas), co-sponsored the legislation saying it was intended to complement the legalization of recreational marijuana in their state.

"I didn’t want people to be discriminated against about the lawful use of marijuana," Neal told Fox 5 Vegas. "That was my purpose."

However, there are exceptions to the legislation. Anyone applying to become a firefighter, EMT, or to a job that requires them to operate a motor vehicle can't test positive for marijuana. Anyone applying for federal jobs will also have to pass on the pot.

Employees required to submit a screening test within the first 30 days of being hired will be allowed to take a second test at their expense.

Nevada residents legalized recreational marijuana in 2017 with dozens of dispensaries quickly popping up all over the state.

The law is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2020.

Photo: Getty Images


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