Legislation that would create the organizational and regulatory system for legalizing marijuana by adults was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday.
NJBIA testified in opposition to the bill, S-21, because of concerns that amendments have weakened an employer’s ability to maintain a drug-free workplace, even in safety-sensitive industries.
“NJBIA believes that maintaining workplace safety, through drug free workplaces, is essential for certain safety sensitive occupations, such as nuclear power plants, airlines, chemical plants, and heavy construction sites,” said NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Ray Cantor.
“We believe the bill should err on the side of public safety until better testing for cannabis impairment is developed,” Cantor said. “We do not believe that the use of certified experts is a substitute for drug testing.”
The committee vote on the bill was 6-5. The measure now goes to the full Senate.