Bernalillo County, the most populous county in New Mexico, is on track to change its policy on off-hours marijuana use for government employees. The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to support Vice Chair Eric Olivas’ plan to revise the county’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy. The proposed amendment would remove marijuana from the list of illegal drugs, allowing employees to use cannabis legally off-duty for medical or recreational purposes.
Olivas emphasized that the change is in line with state law legalizing marijuana and recognizes the rights of workers. The updated policy would only conduct drug tests for cannabis on employees required to carry firearms or hold commercial driver’s licenses. This move aims to provide alternative therapeutic options for workers experiencing pain or mental health issues from their duties, considering the potential benefits of cannabis over other medications.
If the formal revisions are approved in December, Bernalillo County will be the first government in New Mexico to implement such a liberalized cannabis policy. The policy change would also prohibit on-the-job impairment while allowing off-duty cannabis use, aligning with the trend of relaxing THC-related drug testing in various industries across the country. This move reflects a shift in attitudes towards cannabis use in the workplace and highlights the need for a balance between safety concerns and individual rights.
Source
Photo credit www.marijuanamoment.net
