Course Description

In recent months, multiple news outlets have reported that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will soon recommend reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug, downgrading the drug from its current Schedule 1 classification. This reclassification could pose a serious challenge to law enforcement leaders who have asserted that, despite state laws that allow for legal marijuana use, law enforcement officers are prohibited from using marijuana off-duty in light of federal prohibitions on the possession of a firearm by marijuana users.

Thousands of state, county and municipal law enforcement officers are now working in states where marijuana is apparently legal for use by members of nearly every profession except law enforcement. The possible downgrading of marijuana by the DEA is likely to lead to a complicated set of legal questions related to law enforcement agencies’ ability to make hiring and disciplinary decisions based on off-duty marijuana use.

In this webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will discuss the latest case law and practical considerations related to:

  • The right of police departments to hold officers to a higher standard than civilians in hiring and discipline
  • Federal versus state law regarding marijuana legalization
  • The role of Conduct Unbecoming standards in analyzing off-duty marijuana use
  • Practical considerations re: staffing in light of widespread cultural acceptance of marijuana use

Instructor

Director, Dolan Consulting Group

| Attorney Matt Dolan

Matt Dolan is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, who specializes in training and advising public safety agencies in matters of labor and employment law. His practice experience focuses on employment discrimination claims brought under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"), the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"). He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from DePaul University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Matt serves as a public safety instructor with Dolan Consulting Group. He has trained and advised thousands of public safety professionals throughout the United States in matters of legal liability related to personnel management.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Before You Start

    • Consent Questions
  • 2

    Webinar

    • Off-Duty Marijuana Use by Officers—Legal Liability and Best Practices | Hour 1

    • Off-Duty Marijuana Use by Officers—Legal Liability and Best Practices | Hour 2