Virginia Bans Marijuana Disclosure on Job Applications
Virginia employers can no longer ask job applicants about simple marijuana possession arrests or convictions, effective July 2020. Here is what changed.
Effective July 1, 2020, employers in Virginia are barred from requiring job applicants to disclose information regarding an arrest, criminal charge, or conviction for simple possession of marijuana. This update follows the decriminalization of simple marijuana possession in Virginia in May 2020.
Employers located in Virginia should review their current screening policies and make appropriate adjustments to stay in compliance. Virginia employers are subject to criminal penalties, including fines and possible jail time, if they willfully violate the new law. CRC monitors trends like this and posts updates as they occur. If you have questions about your current drug testing policies, or you are in the market for an accredited background screening agency, please reach out to CRC's Business Development team and they will be happy to assist.
This post reflects Virginia law as it stood at the time of original publication in June 2020. Employers should confirm current requirements before updating policies today.
