The bill amends Section 26-2B-9 of the New Mexico Statutes to expand protections for employees who use medical cannabis. It establishes that, unless required by federal law or regulations, employers cannot take adverse employment actions against applicants or employees based on their conduct permitted under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. However, the bill maintains that employers can still prohibit the use of medical cannabis on the job or during work hours, and it does not apply to employees in safety-sensitive positions.

Additionally, the new language inserted into the law clarifies that state or political subdivision employers cannot control an employee's use of medical cannabis outside of work hours, provided the employee is a qualified patient and subject to other applicable state laws or regulations. This amendment aims to enhance the rights of medical cannabis users in the workplace while still allowing employers to maintain certain restrictions related to safety and workplace conduct.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 26-2B-9