With recreational marijuana becoming legal next year, there are a growing number of questions still to be answered.
Among them, are how things will work in the workplace.
The answer? It will be on a company-by-company basis.
While smoking marijuana in a public place will still be off limits, it will be up to employers to decide how to handle use in the workplace.
Andy Challenger with outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., said different companies will have different rules.
“For some companies, employees getting the job, it’s OK,” he said. “Other companies are going to be very concerned about it.”
Challenger said companies will need clear policies about marijuana use.
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“Make sure they have clear communication about the rules and put them into place quickly,” Challenger said.
It won’t just be employers setting guidelines for use.
Any person, business or landlord can prohibit the use of marijuana on private property as the drug still remains federally illegal.
Those with pot convictions are also hoping the new law will mean a clean slate.
The governor could start pardoning those with past convictions for up to 30 grams beginning Jan. 1.
“People have been held back due to cannabis offenses on their record,” said Donte Townsend with Chicago Normal, a group that has been pushing for marjuana law reforms.
“Specifically in Chicago, where black men are being targeted for arrest, it is an opportunity to get their records expounded and with that, you can create new opportunity for jobs and inclusion.”
