A need for clearer policies
Coming up with policies around marijuana use by employees and others can be tricky for any business in states where recreational use is now legal.
But for some operations, the blow is softened. Federally funded institutions, such as the University of Washington in Seattle and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., abide by the federal law prohibiting the recreational use of marijuana.
Still, clearly communicating that policy to employees and potential hires is key. Colorado State University took the time to underline its policy for staff, and Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., sent a notice to workers that the school would be complying with federal laws.
When modifying the policy, Poggas says it's important to consult with your legal team and consider what risk the operation is willing to assume. “In a kitchen, you don’t want someone who is not in their right mind touching hot equipment and handling knives,” she says.