Employer Law Blog

The legalization of medical and recreational marijuana is leaving many employers shifting on unsteady and unfamiliar ground. Employers have rights and responsibilities; let us help you with the changes coming. The recent amendments involving the use of marijuana in Missouri and Illinois are not unique; 33 states have legalized marijuana for medical use and 11 states have legalized its recreational use, although there is still a federal ban on the substance.

On January 1, 2014, Illinois became the 21st state in the U.S. to legalize use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, at least during the four year pilot program. This new law raises a number of questions for Illinois employers, many of them currently unanswered. There are no Illinois court cases interpreting this new law, so we are in uncharted waters for the time being.