Michigan officials are approaching the idea of ​​eliminating pre-employment cannabis testing for most government applicants and giving those who have been penalized for testing positive for THC in the past the opportunity to have their sanctions lifted.

What happened

The Michigan Civil Service Commission released the proposed changes last Friday, opening a public comment period on the two policies. reported the Detroit Free Press. The comment period runs until June 23rd. Information on how to participate can be found below.

“Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana use in 2008 and adult recreational use in 2018. In light of these changes, commissioners have asked that public comment be made on potential legislative changes to eliminate pre-employment marijuana testing for classified workers hired in non-occupational “test-designated positions,” wrote John Gnodtke, the state’s director of human resources, in a memo.

“The elimination of these on-employment marijuana tests would not affect the availability of reasonable suspicion or follow-up marijuana testing for classified employees, including candidates who become employees.”

The first amendment would change the existing code that requires state agencies to test drug test applicants for cannabis and other substances.

Other items that need changing as part of the reform include changing the rule that penalizes people who have tested positive for a classified job in the past and faced a three-year ban from applying to other government agencies. Under the new rules, the Commission is proposing to lift the current three-year sanction based on a positive test.

Public comments on the changes may be submitted to the Commission by June 23 or emailed to MCSC-OGC@mi.gov.

Photo: Michigan State Capital Government website