MarylandSB 04392026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Employment Discrimination - Fire and Rescue Public Safety Employees - Use of Medical Cannabis

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Protections for fire and EMS medical cannabis users

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered fire and rescue workers with a valid medical cannabis certification get job protections. Employers cannot fire, discipline, or deny pay or benefits just because you have a valid written certification or tested positive while you held one. Your use must follow the limits in your certification. Covered workers include a firefighter, EMT, cardiac rescue technician, or paramedic employed by a city, county, the State, the State Airport Authority, or a fire control district.

Fire and EMS on-duty cannabis rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, employers can stop a covered worker from performing duties if the worker is impaired by cannabis. Employers can also ban cannabis use while on duty, even if you have a valid medical certification. Employers do not have to take actions that violate federal law or that risk losing federal money or licenses. If a covered worker shows up to work impaired by cannabis, the employer must report it to the State Emergency Medical Services Board.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Carl Jackson
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 34

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 108 • No: 23 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 3/6/2026