This week, Sen. Gary Peters introduced a piece of legislation that aims to ensure applicants for federal positions and security clearances are not being denied due to past marijuana use.
“As we work to build a highly skilled federal workforce, it’s crucial that the federal government modernizes its hiring practices to reflect evolving laws and societal norms,” said Senator Peters. “My bill will take the commonsense step to align federal statutes with existing agency guidance and ensure that talented individuals are not automatically disqualified from service solely due to past marijuana use. By providing this much-needed clarity for agencies and applicants, we will ensure that the federal government can recruit and retain the best and brightest to serve our nation.”
Over the past decade or so, the public perception of marijuana use has changed greatly. Legalization and normalization of the drug has turned pot usage into a more socially acceptable thing, akin to having a beer.
While this relaxation of opinions on weed has been reflected in society, hiring practices are often still disqualifying for those who have a history with marijuana.
Peters bill aims to break down barriers for those who are qualified for jobs they are applying for in every other aspect.
“Peters’ bill would align federal law with the current OPM and ODNI guidance on past marijuana use, providing clarity for prospective federal employees. The bill would prohibit federal agencies from using past marijuana use as the sole factor in determining employment suitability, qualification standards, or eligibility for security clearances and federal credentials. The bill would also exempt marijuana from a blanket denial in security clearance statutes and add statutory clarification that past marijuana use alone cannot disqualify candidates from federal employment.” says a press release from Peters office.
We applaud this legislation and hope that it becomes law.
— The Mining Journal, Marquette —