by Ben Horner
One of West Michigan’s largest employers, Spectrum Health, has decided that it will no longer screen potential employees for cannabis.
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Michigan, mainstream views and stigmas attached to marijuana seem to have been slowly changing. This announcement from Spectrum Health only strengthens the perception of a more accepting society.
In a statement released to local news station 13 On Your Side, a spokesperson representing Spectrum Health said:
“To reduce barriers to employment and because recreational marijuana is legal in Michigan, BHSH System no longer includes THC, or marijuana, in its pre-employment drug screen for most positions. Our patients and community members can be confident that we comply with the applicable laws establishing drug-free workplace requirements and that we will take all measures necessary to establish a safe environment of care.”
As implied, this new rule does not apply to all positions, but to a majority.
Decisions like this are at the sole discretion of each employer, whether the state laws have changed or not. While Spectrum Health may be loosening up to the idea of a legalized culture, the question remains just how quickly other large corporations will follow suit. Regardless of if or when they do, there are cannabis advocates who consider this a step in the right direction.
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