Washington bill would prevent employers from testing job applications for cannabis

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill that would stop many employers in Washington state from discriminating against job applicants for using cannabis outside of work has passed the Senate.

If it passes the House and is signed into law, many employers in the state won’t be able to drug test job applicants for cannabis.

Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), who is one of the sponsors of the bill, told KOMO News that many people don’t apply for jobs because of the fear of failing a drug test.

“This will allow for more people to apply for jobs without having to worry that they’re going to be screened out in that hiring process,” said Stanford.

”When people are using legal substances like cannabis away from work, we don’t think that should be a barrier to just applying for the job,” Stanford added.

Stanford said there are some exceptions. For example, it wouldn't apply for jobs that require federal government background checks or safety-related positions. Josh Akana is a software engineer and a hiring manager for Roblox, a video game developer. He supports the bill.

“For pre-job, I agree," said Akana. "I think that makes sense. There’s no point in testing. I don’t see marijuana any worse or more dangerous than alcohol which we don’t test for.”

It's also because of his personal story of failing a drug test 20 years ago for a job. Senate Bill 5123 specifically applies to the hiring process, but not after a person gets the job. If it goes into law, employers can still test after a person gets the job. That’s part of the bill some say needs to change.

“I think unless it’s required that you be sober for the job, I think it’s not necessary,” said Tristan Thompson.

If it goes into law, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.