Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has signed legislation to allow public sector workers like firefighters and teachers to use legal medical marijuana without fear of losing their jobs. The move comes days after the governor vetoed separate bills to legalize recreational cannabis sales.
The governor signed HB 149, sponsored by Del. Dan Helmer (D), and SB 391, from Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D), on Monday, his deadline for action on the measures.
The governor, however, also vetoed a separate Senate bill on Monday that would have prevented the use of marijuana alone from being considered evidence of child abuse or neglect. Youngkin vetoed the House version of that bill a month ago.
As for employment protections, private workers already are protected in the commonwealth from being fired merely for using legal medical marijuana. But Helmer, who sponsored that law three years ago, has said the bill “unintentionally did not protect public-sector employees.” HB 149 and SB 391 will rectify that oversight, extending the protections to positions such as firefighters, maintenance workers and teachers who use cannabis to treat medical conditions or diseases.
Employers will still be able to forbid marijuana use on the job and take disciplinary action against any employee
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