The Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which legalized recreational cannabis, has been signed into law. The law significantly limits an employer’s ability to take adverse action as a result of an applicant’s or employee’s positive drug screen for cannabis absent evidence of current impairment at the time of the test. The Rhode Island Cannabis Act allows state residents over the age of 21 to possess and consume cannabis for recreational purposes, while also limiting the ability of employers to discipline employees for off-duty cannabis use. Employers can still implement and enforce policies to prohibit cannabis in the workplace and prohibit anyone from working while under the influence. There is greater flexibility for employers overseeing employees in safety-sensitive positions.
