(Photo credit: Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department).
A Maryland Senate bill to prohibit employers from taking disciplinary action against fire and rescue public safety employees solely because they use medical marijuana has now been scheduled for a public hearing.
Senate Bill 439, introduced by Senator Carl Jackson (D) on January 30, is set to be heard by the Senate Finance Committee on February 19 at 1pm, with any member of the public able to testify.
Under the legislation, employers would be prohibited from discriminating against fire and rescue public safety employees based on their lawful use of medical marijuana, provided specific conditions are met. The measure acknowledges that many first responders experience chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and other medical conditions for which medical marijuana is legally recommended in Maryland.
Although the proposal would protect off-duty medical cannabis use, it states that if a fire or rescue public safety employee reports to work impaired by marijuana, the employer would be required to report the incident to the State Emergency Medical Services Board. Proponents say this provision is intended to balance workplace safety with employee protections by ensuring that off-duty medical use does not automatically place a worker’s job at risk, while still addressing situations where impairment affects job performance.
If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would take effect October 1, 2026.
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