Philadelphia’s Ban On Pre-hire Marijuana Testing Will Take Effect In The New Year!

However, not every employer in the city is covered under the new law. Those applying for positions in law enforcement, childcare or for jobs that require a commercial driver’s license can still be required to submit to a marijuana screening.

There’s also a provision allowing testing for those seeking positions where “the employee could significantly impact the health or safety of other employees or members of the public.”

Employers looking to use this exception need to get approval from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

Also excluded are positions where any federal or state law or valid collective bargaining agreement requires testing. Additionally, employers who have a contract with or receive aid from the federal government which requires testing are exempt.

The measure was introduced by Council member Derek Green, who said he was inspired by the city’s medical cannabis patients who sometimes struggle to find work due to testing requirements, even though it’s been legal to prescribe in Pennsylvania since 2016. He considers it a “commonsense measure.”

Recreational marijuana use remains illegal across the state, but Philadelphia decriminalized possession of small amounts in 2016.

Philly is not the first place to pass legislation like this. Similar laws already exist in many other cities across the country, including New York City, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Rochester, and Richmond, Virginia.

Abe Finklestein Via:
Noah Zucker
The Philly Voice