In Maryland, firefighters and rescue workers who use medical marijuana could soon be protected from penalization. Senate Bill 439 has passed both chambers and is awaiting Gov. Wes Moore’s signature, veto, or inaction.
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SB 439 would amend Maryland’s medical marijuana law by including a provision that firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders employed by the state or local governments could not face employment discrimination or penalization based on lawful medical cannabis use.
The passage of this legislation comes after attempts to give emergency service professionals and first responders the option to use cannabis as an alternative treatment for health conditions that are commonly felt by these professionals. Many first responders may experience chronic pain, injuries, or anxiety as a result of their professions, and this bill seeks to give them the opportunity to use cannabis as a medical treatment.
The bill would not prohibit employers from taking action against an employee for working while under the influence. It protects only those who have valid medical marijuana cards, and only when it is used while off duty.
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Maryland already allows medical cannabis usage, so supporters of SB 439 argue that this is just addressing a gap in the protections for first responders. Meanwhile, opponents say this is a liability issue for a job that is incredibly safety-sensitive.
Notably, the 2025 version of this bill, SB 1023, did not pass. Despite clearing the Senate, it was procedurally stalled in a House committee and never reached a House vote. However, SB 439 has already advanced farther than its 2025 counterpart, as both the House and the Senate have passed it.
Now, the fate of SB 439 is in the governor’s hands.