A Utah bill would change how workers compensation treats employee cannabis use and impairment, potentially reducing benefits if marijuana is found in a worker’s system.
H.B. 281 would amend state workers compensation law to include a rebuttable presumption related to cannabis and controlled substances, which could reduce compensation awards if a workplace injury occurs while an employee tests positive for THC or a similar substance. The measure also updates provisions governing drug testing for cannabinoids.
Under the bill, if an injured worker’s blood test shows certain levels of THC, it would be presumed that the substance contributed to the injury unless the worker can show otherwise. The measure also would align cannabinoid testing rules with existing standards for alcohol and other controlled substances.
If approved, the law would take effect May 6.
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