Obviously, we’re cannabis marketing experts and not fortune tellers. So we don’t have an immediate answer to that question.

But a lot of employers in Michigan have ditched drug testing for cannabis ever since the state went legal in 2018.

This is leaving many to wonder, will the State of Michigan get rid of marijuana testing? It’s looking hopeful.

Amendment Under Consideration

Currently, if a candidate for a state job comes back positive for marijuana during pre-employment testing, he or she must wait three years to apply again. But the Michigan Civil Service Commission is considering an amendment of this testing policy that would give otherwise qualified workers a chance to work.

It’s important to note, however, that the changes to this pre-employment testing would not apply to ‘test designated’ positions. These include jobs in law enforcement or those that involve the operation of heavy machinery. Because, well, that just makes sense.

Otherwise, jobs that have been difficult to fill because of a lack of candidates may soon be full. And that’s a good thing.

Boon to the Economy

It’s no secret that there’s an employment drought most likely brought on by the pandemic. Add to that the fact that marijuana is now legal in Michigan, it seems nonsensical to keep needed workers from filling positions because of antiquated policies.

Staff shortages in state jobs mean that vital services continue to go unprovided because of a lack of workers. Public services and infrastructure continue to take a hit. But many experts believe that getting rid of marijuana testing will help to alleviate this problem and stimulate the economy. Furthermore, an easing of the testing policies on the state level could have a spillover effect into other sectors that still haven’t gotten rid of their own testing.

There is more than a handful of state worker unions who support the proposal. They’d like to see the policies banished so they can resolve staff shortages.

Will Michigan Get Rid of Marijuana Testing?

It’s not such an outrageous proposition. Quite the contrary.

Employers have historically eased up on applicant requirements when there were employment gaps. For example, minimum education requirements are often shifted from bachelor’s degree to high school or GED equivalency. Especially given the difficulty many young people face in paying for college.

So it’s really no surprise that this amendment is being proposed as the state continues to legally sell marijuana while trying to recover from COVID lockdowns and restrictions. By eliminating these policies, workers who were previously denied and are waiting out their three years would now be eligible to work a state job.

Want to Get Involved?

The Michigan Civil Service Commission is accepting public comment on this proposed amendment until June 23rd, 2023. You can email the Office of the General Counsel at MCSC-OGC@mi.gov or do the old school snail mail at the Office of the General Counsel, Michigan Civil Service Commission, P.O. Box 30002, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.

Vote on the change will occur at the commission’s next meeting on July 12th.

Stay On Top of Cannabis News

Will Michigan get rid of marijuana testing? We certainly hope so. It seems such a pointless policy at this juncture.

We hope you’ll get involved!

And in the meantime, to keep up to date with the latest in cannabis news, keep checking back with our blog!