While Marijuana Use Is Legal in Washington, Employers Are Not Mandated to Change Drug Policies

Marijuana is legal under Washington state law, so users have no need to worry about being picked up by the police.

But it's pretty much business as usual in the workplace and will likely stay that way until rules and perceptions change about off-the-job marijuana use.

While some employers say they already are taking a light stance on employees who use marijuana in their off hours, many still have zero-tolerance policies enforced by routine screenings that carry no leniency or compromise. Employees who test positive for THC - the chemical in marijuana - are fired immediately, no questions asked, even though voter-passed Initiative 502 made pot use (and possession of 1 ounce or less) legal for adults 21 years and older.

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