Wisconsin legislator to propose banning marijuana tests for most jobs

The Wisconsin chapter of NORML is advocating for a bill that would block employers from testing for THC in employees and potential employees. The bill will be introduced by Rep. David Bowen on Feb. 15th and is aimed at helping normal working adults from being discriminated against for choosing a safer alternative to alcohol. The local NORML will hold a rally on Feb. 15th from 9am to 4pm at the Capitol in hopes of educating people about the harms of turning away potential employees because of THC in the blood. Testing positive for THC does not mean the person has consumed cannabis in the day or even week as it can stay in ones system for weeks to months afterwards. Not only is cannabis becoming used more commonly but it's also proven to be a safer alternative than alcohol, so it should not be treated any different than someone enjoying a beer outside of the workplace. 

Wisconsin NORML argues urine tests are ineffective, since THC is detectable long after being psychoactive. Someone could fail a urine test weeks after consuming marijuana. Marsch says drug testing “serves only to persecute medical patients and people with alternative (yet increasingly mainstream) lifestyles by denying them the right to employment.”

Marsch argues that people should only be fired if their marijuana use causes a “danger or hindrance” on the job. Right now, people can be fired for “simply choosing a safer recreational alternative to alcohol,” he says.