McDonald Hopkins' members featured in Cleveland newscasts discussing what businesses and Ohioans should know regarding passage of Issue 2
McDonald Hopkins’ members Kevin Washburn and Karina Conley were featured on the Cleveland's WKYC and WOIO’s evening shows to share their expertise and discuss the impact of Ohio’s passage of Issue 2.
Kevin Washburn, the leader of McDonald Hopkins’ Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group, provided insight into what Ohioans can expect next as state lawmakers work to develop the frameworks of adult-use, recreational marijuana in Ohio’s ecosystem. Reporter Colton Molesky showcased Washburn’s knowledge of the cannabis industry in the segment ‘What’s next after Ohio voters pass a recreational Marijuana ballot measure.’
An excerpt from the web story is below.
Even when it goes into effect in 30 days, buying weed is still a ways off.
The Department of Commerce says it “has nine months to complete the rulemaking and licensing processes for non-medical cannabis,” adding businesses cannot sell non-medical Marijuana until receiving proper licensing.
In addition, the department noted it is still against Federal law to cross state lines with cannabis products.
Washburn says another layer is the testing along the way.
“What that will look like, we don’t know precisely yet, but there will be [testing] pretty consistently. Across any state that is legalized, there is testing along the way, there is inspection of facilities, there is licensing to make sure those operators are doing the right thing,” said Washburn.
To watch Kevin’s segment, click here.
Karina Conley, a member of McDonald Hopkins’ Labor and Employment Practice Group, gave insight into the statue and the rights of employers. Reporter Bri Buckley featured Karina in her segment, ‘You can be fired for your use of marijuana': Legal expert weighs in on questions about recreational marijuana in Ohio,’ on WKYC’s 11 p.m. newscast.
An excerpt from the web story is below.
Though we still have about a month until recreational marijuana is officially legal in Ohio (and even longer until you can buy it in a licensed dispensary), legal experts are breaking down what you need to know before that happens.
"An employer can still terminate you; you can be fired for your use of marijuana," Karina Conley, partner at the McDonald Hopkins law firm in Cleveland, said. "Even if it's legal in Ohio and even if you're doing it while you're not working."
Conley works on the firm's labor and employment group and notes specific language in the statute highlights employer rights, and policies will be up to each individual workplace. She says if you fail a drug test, you won't be eligible for workers compensation, though testing parameters could vary with marijuana lasting in your system longer than alcohol.
To watch Karina’s segment, click here.
