Editor,
I would like to encourage the legislative committee working on creating logical and enforceable rules to keep up the good work and take the time needed to put together a logical and comprehensive piece of legislation that can be passed. Feb. 1 is the deadline imposed to pass clarifying legislation.
If that fails to happen, the proposed legislation that passed by citizen initiative will go into effect. By all reports and by my own read, that legislation was hastily and poorly written and does not protect employers and many others, including minors.
There is a discussion that the legislature could pass an extension of the moratorium till May 1. I believe that this makes good sense and will provide a bit more time to solidify good rules.
The Maine State Chamber reports that a collaboration of organizations have come together and hired legal representation from Peter Lowe of Brann & Isaacson Law firm in Lewiston to create a toll-free phone line and a website especially designed for employers to call or ask questions on line, at no cost, regarding marijuana issues as it relates to their business.
Workplace use of any substance that can and will cause impairment creates a terrible situation for employers. Eventually, the marijuana legislation will be settled, an impairment test for marijuana will meet approval and some of the lingering issues will get solved.
But until then, we must encourage level heads and rational minds to work together to pass good public policy with substantial legislation that protects employers and employees in the work place. The Biddeford+Saco Chamber will continue to follow this issue and provide input at the State Chamber board of directors, as well as be a resource to local legislators such as Senator Susan Deschambault who serves on the marijuana committee.
The Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry will keep employers informed as the marijuana help line and website gets launched. This is a serious issue that demands our attention.
Craig A. Pendleton
Executive Director
Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry
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