DOVER — Following implementation of the state’s Marijuana and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, all forms of marijuana usage have been prohibited in all state-owned, operated and leased buildings.

The policy continues to include the previously prohibited use of alcohol and other controlled substances in the workplace.

Effective May 3, the policy was adopted in response to the enaction of House Bills 1 and 2, which legalized possession of personal use quantities of marijuana products and regulated a marijuana market set for implementation within 16 months.

“State policies make it very clear that state employees and visitors to state buildings may not use marijuana in any form, smoke cigarettes, or be under the influence of alcohol or any other dangerous drugs in or around state facilities,” said Department of Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “We want to be very clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.”

The state’s Marijuana and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy requires all executive branch employees to acknowledge and adhere to the policy. The policy allows state agencies to issue supplemental, restrictive alcohol and drug-free policies to comply with federal and state laws.

The policy states that violations, including the use of or impairment by alcohol, marijuana or other controlled substances in the workplace, will not be tolerated, and that state employees who violate the policy may face disciplinary action or dismissal.

To inform employees of the new policy, the state has outlined the following notification and training guidelines:

• Active employees were notified on May 10 to read and acknowledge the policy through the Delaware Learning Center.
• Newly hired employees will receive the policy upon hire and must acknowledge it within 30 days.
• Executive branch agencies must post a copy of this policy in a conspicuous workplace location, including links on relevant websites.
• Employees must attend required training as assigned.

With this policy effective for the 16 state executive branch agencies, non-executive branch agencies are encouraged to adopt and administer the policy to maintain consistency across state government.