For a cover story helping businesses stay on top of recent social and regulatory changes, In Business Phoenix turned to Gary Smith for guidance on why employers should address cannabis when revising their existing workplace drug testing policies.
Gary explained that although Arizona law distinguishes recreational from medical marijuana, there is no clear line of demarcation for business policies and legal responsibilities. Employers are free to restrict and prohibit marijuana in the workplace for both recreational and medical use, but they may not terminate an employee with a medical card for using cannabis outside of work hours.
Gary also recommended reaching out to an insurance broker to ensure company policies cover cannabis involvement in a casualty event.
As a leading cannabis attorney in Arizona, Gary frequently shares insights for industry publications and organizations, as well as Arizona media. He is the founder and current president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association, which is dedicated to educating lawyers and the public about responsible legislation.