Bill > HB797

This bill prohibits employers from taking discriminatory actions against fire and rescue public safety employees based on their use of medical cannabis, provided the employee has a valid written certification from a certifying provider (a licensed healthcare professional) and does not test positive for cannabis components or metabolites while holding that certification. However, this protection does not require employers to violate federal law, lose federal benefits, or permit employees to perform their duties while impaired by cannabis or to use cannabis while on duty. If a fire and rescue public safety employee reports for work impaired by cannabis, the employer must report this incident to the State Emergency Medical Services Board. This bill defines "fire and rescue public safety employee" as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, cardiac rescue technician, or paramedic employed by a municipal corporation, county, the State, the State Airport Authority, or a fire control district. The bill also clarifies definitions for "certifying provider," "qualifying patient," and "written certification" related to medical cannabis use.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0797?ys=2026RS