Many patients worry about how joining Connecticut’s medical marijuana program might impact their employment. The important thing to know is that state law protects you from being discriminated against simply because you are a registered patient. Employers cannot fire you or refuse to hire you based solely on your patient status.
That said, workplace rules still apply. Employers are allowed to prohibit marijuana use during work hours or on company property, and they can enforce drug‑free workplace policies. This means that even if you are a registered patient, testing positive for cannabis could still have consequences if your employer’s policies forbid use.
Certain jobs, especially those governed by federal law or considered safety‑sensitive, may have stricter requirements. Because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, employers in these industries may not recognize Connecticut’s patient protections.
In practice, becoming a medical marijuana patient in Connecticut does not automatically put your job at risk. Your patient status is protected, but your workplace policies still control what you can do while on the job. The best step is to review your company’s rules and speak with your HR department if you are unsure.