With the state of Ohio allowing the sale of nonmedical cannabis, people may be wondering if marijuana will be dropped from their employer’s drug tests.
From a sampling of workplaces in and around Toledo, probably not.
“Rather than relying on one-time, pre-employment marijuana testing, our organization prioritizes ensuring that all employees understand our policy and their duty to promptly report any observed behavior consistent with being under the influence of substances strictly prohibited by our policy,” Tausha Moore, associate vice president for Strategic Communications at ProMedica, said in a statement.
“ProMedica has a Fitness for Duty policy and requires all employees to complete online training on the topic annually. The policy states that being under the influence of a drug, marijuana or alcohol on the job is prohibited. Currently, there are no plans to modify this policy, as it is designed to ensure the safety of everyone at our facilities.”
Amy Voigt, spokesman for the city of Toledo, said the city does require drug tests for certain positions.
“It depends on the position that the person is being hired into with the city,” Ms. Voigt said. “For example, all uniformed safety forces’ positions go through pre-employment drug testing.”
Ms. Voigt said some city employees, including those who are required to maintain commercial driver’s licenses, can be randomly tested.
“The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires these employees to be tested randomly, post-accident, and for reasonable suspicion, in accordance with their rules and regulations,” she wrote.
There will be no changes to the city’s drug testing policies at this time, according to Ms. Voigt.
Sylvania schools won’t be changing its hiring policies pertaining to marijuana either, according to spokesman Amy Addington.
“The change in the law didn’t change our hiring policy or procedures,” Ms. Addington said. “For the hiring process, drug testing is for our potential employees with a CDL who would drive students or operate a bus.
Patty Mazur, spokesman for Toledo Public Schools, said the district will also continue testing for certain positions.
“Anyone driving a vehicle or the job requirement involves a physical, TPS requires drug testing,” Ms. Mazur said. “Physicals are required for positions that require physical stamina such as a school resource officer or campus protection officer. It is not just marijuana. It's a panel screening that tests for 'street' and/or recreational drugs.”
The University of Toledo will not be making changes to its policies, either, according to spokesman Tyrel Linkhorn.
“Cannabis will continue to be among the controlled substances included in pre-employment testing for employees on the Health Science Campus,” he said. “Applicants who test positive for any controlled substance are not eligible for employment.”
Mr. Linkhorn said employees on the Health Science Campus are routinely tested for controlled substances.
“To help ensure the safety of our patients, the University of Toledo requires employees on the Health Science Campus, including faculty, staff, residents, and select student worker positions, to complete pre-employment testing for controlled substances listed under the Controlled Substances Act,” Mr. Linkhorn said.
“While Ohio has legalized the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana, cannabis possession and use remains illegal under federal law. As a recipient of federal funding, the University of Toledo must follow all federal laws and regulations,” he added.
When asked about any possible policy changes at Bowling Green State University, spokesman Michael Bratton merely sent a copy of the university’s policy, which states, “Bowling Green State University (BGSU), as a public, state institution, complies with the national Drug-Free Schools Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act which require a drug-free campus community as well as Department of Transportation regulations regarding Commercial Drivers’ License drivers.”
While medical and recreational marijuana have been legalized under Ohio law, medical and recreational marijuana remain illegal under federal law, the policy states.
“As such, possession, use, or storage of controlled substances, including medical and recreational marijuana, by students, faculty, staff and visitors is prohibited on all BGSU campuses and premises; at University-sponsored activities, events and programs, including travel; and/or while engaged in University business/work,” according to the university’s policy.
Following recreational legalization of marijuana in Michigan in 2018, the state’s Civil Service Commission voted in July of 2023 to get rid of pre-employment drug testing for marijuana. The amendment to Rule 2-7 will treat recreational marijuana use outside the workplace the same as alcohol use.
The Blade reached out to local employment agencies and employers, including Dana, General Motors, and Stellantis, which did not respond to requests for comment.
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