When is it appropriate to discuss your cannabis use at work?

With the rise of marijuana legalization, talking about getting high has become commonplace rather than taboo in many circles. However, when it comes to water cooler conversations at work, cannabis conversations are still confusing to navigate.

Some states have laws that protect off-hour employee marijuana use, while others don’t. Some jobs involve legalizing marijuana, while others have staffing policies that read as if recreational marijuana isn’t “a thing.” All of this uncertainty probably leaves you wondering if and when you’ll be able to freely discuss your marijuana use with your co-workers.

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Read the room

Whether or not your business has specific marijuana policies, it’s always best to understand the social climate of the office. Some workplaces encourage the open and free-spirited communication style of office behavior, while others are more closed.

One thing to consider when wondering whether it’s appropriate to address marijuana use is how “getting high” is viewed by many employers in legal states as such article from the Health and Safety Institute (HSI). “There is a parallel here with alcohol consumption. It is legal for adults over the age of 21 to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages, but companies still have the right to expect an employee not to show up to work intoxicated and not to drink while on the job.”

So if marijuana use is often treated the same as drinking, maybe treat it that way too. While staying home and smoking a joint is a different vibe than a night out at the clubs, the two acts are on similar wavelengths in the eyes of some pros. If you wouldn’t tell your boss you’re getting drunk at happy hour, it might be best to keep your after-work eating habit to yourself.

Know your state rights

Reading the room is important when it comes to not putting your foot in your mouth, but reading your state laws and employee handbook can help you avoid losing your job. Some states, like New York, have laws protecting employees and their off-hour cannabis use.

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“The DOL says employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on the employee’s use of cannabis outside of the workplace, outside of work hours, and without use of the employer’s equipment or property.” wrote Forbes, regarding New York’s new recreational marijuana-inspired law.

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Many other states, including California, do not have state-level protections for workers who work around the clock. Policies are often created at the local level or in an entity’s employee handbook. This can be completely confusing to a marijuana user in a legal state, but it will remain a bog and headache until federal and state legislatures speak the same language on the subject.

RELATED: How legalizing cannabis is changing the American workplace

As with Reuter put it“The business community should expect that local lawmakers will continue to take a proactive role in providing marijuana-related protections for workers, which in turn will continue to create tension between the federal framework and the framework of today’s majority of states. ”

If you use marijuana regularly, make sure you understand your local laws and your company policies. This is especially true for those who use medical marijuana. Different states have different protections, and it’s important to know what is and isn’t acceptable in your workplace.

Use respect common sense

If you work in a relaxed environment where others talk about pharmacies and get high at concerts, chances are you’ll join the conversation as an employee. However, always remember that just because you get along with your peers doesn’t make you think the same thing. Don’t forget that while the majority of Americans support legalizing marijuana, there is still one large minority who are against. Chances are, one of these people could work in your office.

RELATED: Why a Medical Certificate for MMJ Won’t Save You From Losing Your Job

You never know if one of your new hires might be a high-conservative “war on drugs” guy. Keep in mind that colleagues have all sorts of different views, and marijuana is still a taboo subject for many. If you’re not sure if it’s a good idea to discuss freely with colleagues, it probably isn’t. Keep in mind that marijuana is still a Class I substance at the federal level, which means e.gEven if it’s legal in your state, it’s still considered a dangerous drug at the federal level.

So if you feel like speaking your truth, you have the right to do so, but there may be consequences. If for some reason you can’t decide if it’s a good idea to talk about your cannabis use at work, it might be better to hold that thought until you punch yourself out and see your friends you trust.