The top federal employment agency may remove questions about previous cannabis use on employment forms “in recognition of changing societal norms.”
In a notice published in the Federal Register, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes revising cannabis questions on its applications as part of an overhaul of the application process. The office will be consolidating forms into a new unified Personnel Vetting Questionnaire.
Previous versions of the forms have asked applicants about past use of marijuana, but OPM says it plans on removing those questions. Employees will still be prohibited from using cannabis while working for the government, but past use will no longer be a hurdle.
“Questions regarding illegal drug use on the PVQ are divided into separate areas to distinguish between use of marijuana or cannabis derivatives containing THC and use of other illegal drugs or controlled substances, in recognition of changing societal norms,” the notice says. “In addition, the PVQ has a more limited scope of questioning regarding past use of marijuana in comparison to other illegal drugs.”
The agency says that the application change could “improve the pool of applicants for federal employee and federal contractor positions.”
Curry County to Restrict Pot Packaging
Curry County commissioners are reportedly planning to enact a new ordinance by the end of the year that will prohibit cannabis edibles from being sold in colorful packages that may attract children.
According to The Eastern New Mexico News, the ordinance would ban packaging that is misleading or fraudulent, displays health claims that are not backed by clinical science, mimics another brand or uses predatory advertising aimed at minors. The ordinance would also ban advertising on billboards visible within 300 feet of a school, daycare center, public park, playground or church. Advertisements would not be allowed to encourage overuse or depict actual use of cannabis.
The punishment for violating the ordinance would be a $300 fine, up to 30 days in jail or both. The proposed ordinance is slated for a vote on Dec. 13.
First 24-Hour Dispensary Opens in Las Cruces
The first New Mexico dispensary to offer 24-hour service has officially opened its doors in Las Cruces.
“As someone who managed New Mexico medical dispensaries for a long time, I’ve seen the need first hand,” said High Horse Cannabis Company dispensary owner Ruben Aguilar. “Cannabis is an important medicine for a lot of people and they don’t always get to choose when they need it.”
Unlike other New Mexico cities, Las Cruces’ council decided not to create limits on when a dispensary can operate. Aguilar says High Horse Cannabis Company’s drive-through dispensary is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 580 South Valley in Las Cruces.