Maryland is expanding workplace protections for first responders who use medical cannabis, as Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation shielding firefighters and rescue personnel from employment penalties tied to lawful, off-duty marijuana use.
The measure, approved by the state legislature earlier this year, updates Maryland’s medical cannabis law to prohibit discrimination against registered patients working in fire and emergency services. Under the new policy, which takes effect October 1, public safety employees—including EMTs, paramedics and cardiac rescue technicians—cannot be disciplined or fired solely for testing positive for cannabis metabolites if they are enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program.
The bill was sponsored by Carl Jackson, with a companion measure introduced in the House by Adrian Boafo. Lawmakers say the reform addresses a long-standing conflict between state-legal medical marijuana use and strict workplace drug policies that have historically put first responders at risk of retaliation.
Supporters emphasized that the law does not permit on-duty impairment. Employers retain the authority to take action if an employee reports to work under the influence of cannabis, and any such incidents must be reported to the State Emergency Medical Services Board.
Advocates argue the change is especially significant for first responders, who often face chronic pain, injuries and mental health challenges linked to the demands of their work. During legislative hearings, Boafo said many firefighters are forced to choose between enduring untreated conditions or relying on more addictive prescription medications, including opioids.
The new protections follow multiple unsuccessful attempts in previous legislative sessions to pass similar reforms. Lawmakers say the final enactment reflects growing recognition of medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment option and the need to modernize employment policies accordingly.
The legislation arrives amid broader shifts in Maryland’s approach to cannabis and public safety. Officials in the state’s largest county recently moved to relax marijuana-related hiring restrictions for police recruits to address staffing shortages. Meanwhile, Moore has also signed separate legislation protecting veterinarians who recommend medical cannabis for animals.
Other proposals—including a measure to safeguard gun rights for medical marijuana patients—failed to advance this session, though lawmakers agreed to extend a state psychedelics task force through 2027 to study future regulatory options.
Read the whole article from Marijuanamoment here.
