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NJ Employers May Not Discriminate Against Recreational Marijuana Users

NJ Employers May Not Discriminate Against Recreational Marijuana Users

New Jersey workers may be compelled to submit to drug testing in various situations, such as applying for a new job or complying with continuing requirements for holding certain positions. While generally there is broad latitude in allowing employers to require standardized drug testing, there are limitations on what they may do with the results. The most recent laws imposing such limits pertain to employees testing positive for marijuana, since recreational use of the drug was legalized in 2021.

The New Jersey statute legalizing marijuana use also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees found to have cannabis in their systems. This means that an employer cannot do any of the following:

  • Take adverse employment action against an employee solely for using marijuana off-premises
  • Impose adverse employment consequences solely for the presence of cannabis in an employee’s body as detected by a drug test
  • Consider any past offenses involving marijuana in disciplining an employee

The law does not apply to jobs that involve driving or jobs in schools, hospitals, detention facilities or adult or youth correctional facilities.

Employers are legally permitted to:

  • Require a drug-free workplace and punish employees who possess or use marijuana on the premises
  • Drug-test randomly or as reasonably related to investigation of workplace accident
  • Take adverse action against employee who tested positive for cannabis and was also engaged in separate activity that was against company rules

Factual disputes can often arise when an employee tests positive for cannabis use. Blood or urine tests, the ones most often used by employers, are unspecific as to when the subject used the cannabis product. A positive test, if not a false positive, may be indicative of use one hour, one day, one week or perhaps even one month prior to the test date.

Since an adverse consequence cannot be based solely on a positive test, an employer may discipline a worker for a work-related reason, such as being impaired by cannabis while on the job. An employer might allege that an employee who tested positive at work was impaired at the time of testing. However, an impairment determination can be made only by a person with certification as a Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert (WIRE).

Too often, employers step outside the boundaries of the law in the treatment of their employees. At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, we have years of experience championing the rights of New Jersey workers. If you believe you are facing discrimination at your job for marijuana use, contact us online or call us at 551-245-8894 to schedule a consultation at our Hackensack office.

Neil  H.  Deutsch Attorney Photo
Neil H. Deutsch
Retired

Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…

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Bruce L. Atkins
Senior Partner

Bruce L. Atkins is regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier practitioners of employment and civil litigation. He has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers prestigious list every year since 2005.  This honor, bestowed upon a recipient by the votes of his peers, is a powerful nod to the skill Mr. Atkins brings…

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Adam J. Kleinfeldt
Partner

Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015.  He primarily represents individuals in employment litigations such as discrimination, retaliation, and whistle blowing matters.  He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for some of his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in…

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Diane Englander Peyser
Attorney

Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…

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Debra M. McGarvey
Attorney

Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…

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