Medical marijuana class for employers offered at Heartland Community College
Two hour session to be held December 8th

[November 21, 2015]  NORMAL - Heartland Community College is offering Medical Marijuana in the Workplace, a customized training designed to help businesses and organizations be prepared for new medical cannabis legislation in Illinois. Put on by Falcon Safety Group, the class takes place Tuesday, December 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in room 2210 of the Astroth Community Education Center, 1500 W. Raab Road, Normal.

Medical marijuana legislation went into effect January 1, 2014. According to the State of Illinois, the sale of medical cannabis to qualifying patients and caregivers began November 9, 2015 with eight dispensaries located throughout the state. Chris Wildrick, HR business partner for Falcon Safety Group, says employers might not feel a real sense of urgency, but they need to be ready for what’s coming.

“The time to act is now,” she said. “It’s better to be proactive, get educated and look at your policies.”
 

Medical Marijuana in the Workplace gives attendees the tools and information they need to make decisions related to medical marijuana use at their respective organizations. It addresses topics such as laws and legislation around medical cannabis, employees’ rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discussion on how employers can manage their drug policies.

“When it comes to using marijuana, most people think of getting high,” said Wildrick. “Employers might wonder if a staff member can perform their job duties while medicating with marijuana. Not all cannabis has the same effects. It’s important to consider that when you’re trying to make decisions about your drug policy.”

Wildrick also mentioned there are many variables to medical marijuana, but they are manageable. Employers just need to know what the variables are.

The course has been offered at other community colleges within the state and was well received. Dean of Continuing Education, Julie Elzanati, hopes the class helps small and medium-sized businesses that may not have ready-access to attorneys. “Laws and legislations can be complicated,” she commented. “As the medical marijuana market ramps up, we want to help others be prepared to respond to legislative changes.”

Cost to attend Medical Marijuana in the Workplace will includes lunch. Attendees can register by calling 309-268-4439 or sending an email to [e-mail].

[Becky Gropp, Heartland Community College]