Tides of Change in Medical Cannabis Laws (W6042)-Tides of Change in Medical Cannabis Laws Recording

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Video Summary

Lilliana Esquivel, General Counsel for Georgia’s Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, reviewed recent changes to medical cannabis laws and their employment implications. She said a 2026 DOJ order moved products made under state medical cannabis programs to Schedule III, while other cannabis remains Schedule I. Georgia’s Putting Patients First Act expanded eligible products and qualifying conditions, removed THC caps, and allowed hospitals to act as patient caregivers.<br /><br />The federal rescheduling may affect how medical cannabis use is treated under the ADA, but guidance remains unclear. Georgia law does not require employers to accommodate use and permits zero-tolerance policies. Workers’ compensation coverage for medical cannabis is also uncertain, and employees may not work while impaired. Employers receiving federal funds should consult counsel before changing policies.<br /><br />Esquivel also discussed challenges with drug testing, noting that blood tests may better indicate recent use than urine tests. She cautioned that hemp-derived THC products are not regulated to the same standards as Georgia medical cannabis products.

Keywords

medical cannabis

Georgia law

employment implications

ADA guidance

drug testing

workers compensation