Tag: marijuana law DC

D.C. City Council Approves Law Permitting Expungements for Marijuana Offenses February 8, 2023 District of Columbia lawmakers have given their final approval for two bills that would reform the city's marijuana laws. First, the Second Chance Amendment Act reached Congress without the mayor's signature. It would push for automatic reviews and expungements for citations or convictions concerning marijuana offenses that have since become legal or decriminalized. In addition, it would require the completion of these expungements by January 1, 2025. The Second Chance Amendment Act must undergo a 30-day Congressional review before becoming law. Assuming Congress does not intervene, the legislation will take effect on March 16, 2023. Home cultivation and limited possession of cannabis became legal in 2014 through a municipal initiative. As a result, 2015 saw a 99% decrease in marijuana-related arrests in the District of Columbia. Before passing the law, the District of Columbia had the highest per capita arrest rate for marijuana-related offenses in the United States, with an arrest every two hours. In addition, Washington DC's mayor signed The Medical Cannabis Amendment Act. This legislation would considerably expand medical cannabis operations and access in the District of Columbia. Furthermore, it contains provisions to increase the number of licensed dispensaries allowed to operate in the District. Other provisions include but are not limited to: codifying the ability for people to self-certify their need for medical marijuana, enacting tax relief for operators, creating new business categories for cannabis, like on-site tasting/consumption lounges This legislation must undergo Congressional review before it takes effect. The City Council members passed several bills relating to cannabis recently. For example, one law allows patients to possess larger amounts of medical cannabis now. It also provides a means for qualifying non-resident patients to apply for temporary registration cards. The lawmakers also enacted broader legislation to protect individuals using marijuana. As such, employers cannot refuse to hire, terminate, refuse to promote, suspend, penalize, or demote people due to using cannabis off the job. They also cannot make these decisions based on cannabinoid metabolites during an employer-required or requested drug test. However, the legislation does provide exceptions. For example, employers may consider additional factors such as impairment or status as a medical cannabis patient. Employers in the District of Columbia should adjust their hiring and other workplace policies soon. Quick action will ensure compliance with the new laws, should they take effect. The best way to remain compliant with any background screening regulations is to partner with a company you can trust. Looking to easily verify your employment qualifications? Talk to a sales representative today about switching to pre-employment background checks. Source

Tag: marijuana law DC

D.C. City Council Approves Law Permitting Expungements for Marijuana Offenses

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