A new proposition, which regulates the use and regulation of marijuana has raised concerns in Santa Cruz.
Some claim Proposition 19 is poorly written and is a cause for concern in California for all employers.

It proposed that an employee should not face disciplinary action or face termination unless the intake of the substance ‘actually impairs’ ones work performance. However, the definition of impairment has not been defined making it ambiguous.

Burke, the co-owner of a key restaurant establishment states that the proposition implies an accident should occur first before an employer should take action against the employee who partook in the substance. In his business, safety measures needed to be put in place due to the number of equipment in his establishment such as knives, slicing equipment, hot ovens and open flames and marijuana use would not mix well with safely at the work place.

Tom Angell who is the spokesman for Yes on 19 campaigns who supports the action said the opposing team seems to lack belief in employers’ ability to handle the issue. He said Californian business leaders were well equipped in handling the situation.

The president and chief executive officer, Bruce Woolpert at Graniterock in Watsonville, however said they would be put in a situation where they would have to prove the drug impaired the drivers’ ability in handling the vehicles, putting them in a tricky situation. This said, the company tested drivers who drove trucks delivering building equipment and materials and concrete.

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