On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question legalizing marijuana for recreational and commercial use. The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (the “Act”) provides that – as of December 15, 2016 – persons at least 21 years of age may possess, use, purchase, process, and/or manufacture 1 ounce or less of marijuana outside their residence and up to 10 ounces of marijuana within their residence.

As relevant to employers, the Act provides that property owners may prohibit or otherwise regulate the consumption, display, production, processing, manufacturing or sale of marijuana and marijuana accessories on or in their property.  Importantly, the Act further provides that it does not require employers to permit or otherwise accommodate conduct allowed by the Act in the workplace and does not affect the authority of employers to enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana by employees.

Employers should act fast…