The state of Michigan is ending a long-standing policy that mandated newly hired state employees to be tested for marijuana before starting their jobs. Members of the Michigan Civil Service Commission unanimously voted last week to eliminate the decades-old practice.

Prior to the change, the state also prohibited individuals who tested positive for the drug during the screening from applying for state jobs for a period of three years.

Commission Chair Jase Bolger stated during last week’s meeting that the state would now treat marijuana use in a manner similar to alcohol use.

“It will no longer be screened for employment, but individuals will not be allowed to be under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana while on the job. They may be subject to testing if there is reasonable suspicion of being under the influence,” he added.

Bolger also emphasized that the new policy would align with the voters’ approval in 2019 of recreational marijuana use.

“I’m not suggesting that we should be getting high on Friday night, but treating both substances the same when employees show up to work on Monday morning seems consistent with the current public policy in the state,” he said.