• Skip to main content

USA Mobile Drug Testing

  • Services
    • Drug Testing
    • Background Screening
    • Training and Support
    • Consumer Services
  • Customer Login
  • Blog
  • Drug Testing Locations
  • Contact

Massuchetts Policy on Marijuana and Drug Testing

Home / Drug Testing / Massuchetts Policy on Marijuana and Drug Testing

November 28, 2016 by David Bell

Last updated: January 30, 2023

The Massachusetts Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana (Medical Marijuana Law), became effective on January 1, 2013. There is nothing in the Medical Marijuana Law that prevents employers from prohibiting employees from working while under the influence of marijuana.

On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts citizens voted in favor of legalizing the possession and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. This law prohibits marijuana use in public places or anywhere else smoking is prohibited. Licensed marijuana establishments will not open until at least January 1, 2018. Individuals 21 and older can lawfully use marijuana for recreational purposes starting December 15, 2016.

Employer protections for recreational marijuana: the law “shall not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this chapter in the workplace and shall not affect the authority of employers to enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana by employees.” So basically the use of marijuana can be prohibit at the workplace.

As Massachusetts now permits use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, a thorough review of drug use and testing policies is necessary. An employer must make decisions about medical and recreational marijuana particularly regarding prohibiting employee use of marijuana outside of work. Employers should seek experienced employment counsel on drug free workplace policies. It is clear that DOT regulated employer and employers working on Federal contracts must have drug free workplace policies that prohibit marijuana.

Sample Policy Addendum for a Company Drug Free Workplace Policy (this is not legal advice and all policies should be approved by legal counsel)

This company is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive workplace that is free from alcohol and unlawful drugs as classified under local, state or federal laws (including marijuana – medical and recreational) while employees are working on the employer’s premises (either on or off duty). Employees that work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a safety risk to themselves and others with whom they work. The company prohibits employees from reporting for work with an illegal drug, including marijuana (medical, recreational or otherwise), in his or her system. A positive drug test will be a violation of this company’s drug free workplace policy.

Filed Under: Drug Testing

Ready to learn more or schedule a drug test?

Service area:

USA
Canada

Find a drug testing location

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

About David Bell

After seeing the damage caused by drug use first-hand, David sold his previous company and worked his way up through the ranks in the drug testing industry to help employers keep drugs and alcohol out of the workplace.

© USA Mobile Drug Testing

800-851-2021

11016 N Dale Mabry Hwy #204
Tampa, FL 33618


  • Headquarters Website
  • Franchise Information
  • Become an Affiiliate

Drug Testing Methods

  • Urine Drug Test
  • Mouth Swab Drug Test
  • Hair Drug Test
  • Blood Drug Test

Drug Testing Panels

  • 5 Panel Drug Test
  • 9 Panel Drug Test
  • 10 Panel Drug Test
  • 12 Panel Drug Test

Drug Testing Conditions

  • Pre-Employment Drug Testing
  • Random Drug Testing
  • DOT Drug Testing
  • Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
  • Post-Accident Drug Testing
  • Probation Drug Testing

Web design by Spartan Media

Do you need a drug test conducted at a certain date and time? Call us at and we will dispatch a mobile collection specialist to administer your drug tests at any location, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

x

Are you looking for more information about drug testing, a drug free workplace program, or compliance? Call us at and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and tailor a program to your specific needs.

x