Members of the Michigan Civil Service Commission voted unanimously last week to eliminate the decades-old policy.
Before the change, the state required applicants for government positions to pass a drug screening for marijuana. It also barred individuals who tested positive for the drug during the test from applying for state jobs for a period of three years.
Jase Bolger chairs the commission. During last week’s commission meeting, he said the state would treat marijuana use in a similar manner to alcohol use.
“It wouldn't be screened for employment, but you would not be able to use that being under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana and could be if there was reasonable suspicion that you were under the influence on the job.”
Testing for marijuana will continue to be mandatory for positions in the state involving driving as well as working in law enforcement or healthcare services.
