The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey will host a free webinar for businesses on the impact of marijuana use on the workplace.

Scheduled for Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., the one-hour event will feature Nancy Delogu, a Washington D.C.-based attorney at Littler Mendelson PC. The national law firm specializes in labor and employment law.

The webinar comes as part of PDFNJ’s workplace prevention program, Drugs Don’t Work In NJ. The event will delve into current drug trends, recent court decisions and legislation, as well as compliance guidelines necessary to maintain a healthy, safe and drug-free workplace.

Littler Mendelson shareholder Lauren Marcus will also join Delogu, an expert on substance abuse in the workplace, for the discussion. Marcus represents and advises New Jersey employers in various aspects of employment law.

PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente commented, “As New Jersey navigates the complexities of legal marijuana and evolving drug testing technologies, it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. This webinar serves as a platform for employers to gain insights and guidance on workplace policy and how legislation and court decisions impact these policies.”

According to PDFNJ, attendees can ask questions in real time as well as will receive resources post-webinar. Click here to register.

Recent court decisions

New Jersey is one of 24 states nationwide where recreational marijuana is legal. State law bars employers from rejecting job applicants or firing workers for using cannabis on their own time. However, it does allow for termination of workers if they are impaired on the job.

In December 2024, a federal appeals panel ruled that the state law barring employment discrimination against cannabis users does not allow for private lawsuits and tossed a proposed class action against Walmart.

The panel wrote that because the New Jersey law approved by voters in 2020 didn’t establish remedies for workers who sue for violations, the Legislature must have intended to leave enforcement up to the state.

The decision stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit filed by Erick Zanetich.

Zanetich says he was denied a job as a security guard at a Walmart in Swedesboro after testing positive for cannabis and claimed the company’s drug screening policy violated state law.