COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio is looking for an expert in growing marijuana who must adhere to its drug-free workplace policy as the state implements a new medical marijuana law.
Cleveland.com reports (http://bit.ly/2aLB1xn ) the new hire by the Ohio Department of Commerce would help write rules for medical marijuana cultivators.
The chosen contractor would be held to Ohio’s drug-free workplace policy, which currently doesn’t allow for medical marijuana use.
A commerce department spokesman couldn’t say Friday whether the contractor’s employees would have to clear a pre-employment drug test.
The contractor would research best practices and recommend how they would work with Ohio’s patient needs in the new Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program.
The job was posted last week. The state is accepting applications through Wednesday. The department has budgeted $50,000 for the work.
Ohio’s new law allows people to use the drug in vapor form for certain chronic health conditions while barring patients from smoking marijuana or growing it at home. Employers could continue to enforce drug-testing policies and maintain drug-free workplaces.
The law will take effect Sept. 8, though the program is not expected to be fully operational until two years later.
The commerce department, state medical board and board of pharmacy will all play a role in regulating medical marijuana and those who cultivate, test, use and dispense it.
Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
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