Michigan Eliminates Marijuana Drug Testing for Select New Hires
Beginning October 1, Michigan is making a change to its employee drug testing policies. They will no longer include marijuana as part of pre-employment screenings for certain government employees. This shift in policy follows a unanimous vote by members of the Michigan Civil Service Commission.
One of the primary motivations for altering the state’s drug testing policy was the prior legalization of recreational cannabis use within Michigan. The decision to amend the policy was made after a meeting on July 12 this year, following a call for public input from the personnel director regarding updates to pre-employment marijuana testing.
Who will be affected by this?
It’s important to note that people working in law enforcement, operating vehicles, providing healthcare services, or working with prisoners will continue to undergo cannabis testing as part of their pre-employment screening.
Currently, the state tests for substances classified as Schedule 1 or 2, which include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine.
Positions that will continue to screen for marijuana during the pre-employment hiring process include those that:
- Require a commercial driver’s license or involve the operation of specific vehicles, equipment, or machinery.
- Hold law enforcement authority or allow individuals to carry firearms while on duty.
- Involve the provision of healthcare services.
- Entail working with prisoners, probationers, or parolees.
- Involve unsupervised access to controlled substances.
- Deal with hazardous or explosive materials.
Approximately 200 applicants who tested positive for marijuana during their state job applications will no longer be subject to testing for these positions beginning on October 1. According to the state, those individuals can contact the civil service department to request the removal of their sanctions, after which they will become eligible for state employment.
Drug testing for positions designated for testing is a standard practice, which includes random testing and is conducted on a regular basis. The upcoming policy change will not affect the current testing schedule says state officials.
'420-Friendly' Places To Stay In Michigan
Art Farm Fennville
This place to stay is not too far from Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville. Art Farm Fennville offers cannabis-friendly ‘Farm 2Fork’ events throughout the summer and fall. The events feature marijuana-inspired menus with live music, dinner parties, and more. They also host private events such as weddings and birthday parties.
Celebrity Bud & Breakfast
Celebrity Bud & Breakfast is a private lower level of a home located in Niles. They offer complimentary cannabis when guests arrive. Being just minutes from Notre Dame, guests will be provided with a ride to the stadium for football games.
Haven
They’re currently booking for its opening weekend on May 5. This space is a rustic campground located in Kalkaska near Traverse City, Gaylord, Petoskey, Cadillac, and Roscommon. Haven has 33 campsites spread over 10 acres. A unique feature of Haven is that each campsite is named after a Michigan tree. They are bud-friendly, dog friendly, and veteran owned.
