By Maryland Law Protects First Responders Who Use Medical Cannabis
A new Maryland law protects firefighters and rescue workers from being penalized over their lawful use of medical marijuana off the job. Gov. Wes Moore (D) gave final approval to the measure in April after it cleared the Senate and House of Delegates, and it officially became operative on October 1.
The policy, which was sponsored by Sen. Carl Jackson (D), generally says that first responders will not face employment discrimination or retaliation for testing positive for cannabis metabolites if they’re a registered patient and are not impaired on the job.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), in a new guidance document, explained the law covers firefighters, emergency medical technicians, cardiac rescue technicians and paramedics employed by municipal corporations, fire control districts, the state of Maryland, counties within the state and the state airport authority.
Out-Of-State Workers Can Register
Notably, MCA said that fire and rescue public safety employees who work in Maryland but do not live in the state are eligible to receive a written certification providing the employment protections.
“MCA is establishing a process for fire and rescue public safety employees who live out-of-state to register as medical patients,” the agency said. “This process is forthcoming.”
Statute Establishes Workplace Protections
The statute, Chapter 183 of 2026, establishes certain workplace protections for fire and rescue public safety employees related to cannabis use.
The law’s operative date of October 1 followed final approval from Gov. Moore in April, after the legislation cleared both the Senate and the House of Delegates during the legislative session.
