On October 1, 2015, anyone over the age of 21 can purchase recreational marijuana at the medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority is setting up the regulations until the Oregon Liquor Commission takes over in October, 2016. If you are an employer in Oregon its time to update your drug and alcohol policy.
You can read the Oregon government Frequently Asked Questions here.
At the same time there is a explosion of synthetic marijuana. New York is struggling to get a handle on this “new” class of drugs. They consist of chemicals sprayed on to plant material. To get around regulations, these compounds are marked as incense, or potpourri. Street names include Spice, K2, AK-47 and Keisha Kole. Read Governor Como’s remarks here.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is not going to change its ban on marijuana. But, testing in non-regulated industries will need to make sure these substances are addressed in company policies and procedures. If your company drug tests, will you be taking marijuana off the list of banned substances? What about synthetic drugs? Should you include those in your policy or in your testing? Our labs can test for those.
If you need help putting together a drug and alcohol policy for your company give Compliance Associates, Inc. a call.
We can help! (866-844-0661)