CalChamber Opposes AB 2279, Medical Marijuana Mandate

Despite testimony from a CalChamber policy advocate that amendments to AB 2279, the medical marijuana mandate, could make it more difficult for employers to assure a safe workplace, the bill passed out of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on a party-line vote of 6-2 on Thursday, April 17.
     The bill proposes to undermine employers’ ability to provide a safe workplace by forcing employers to hire workers who use medical marijuana, which is considered an illegal drug under federal law.
     “This bill is actually requiring employers to hire and employ illegal drug users under federal law,” CalChamber Policy Advocate, Marti Fisher testified. 
     AB 2279 would preclude an employer from establishing or enforcing a policy to achieve or maintain a drug-free workplace.
     The bill will be considered next by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. (04/17/08)