Kansas City mayor: Stop drug testing for marijuana when hiring for most city jobs

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wants City Hall to stop drug testing for marijuana for those applying for most municipal jobs.

Lucas introduced an ordinance to the Kansas City Council on Thursday that, if passed, would prohibit the city from requiring those who want a job at City Hall from submitting to drug screenings meant to detect the presence of marijuana.

The ordinance would not apply to every department. Those exempted from it include police officers, positions that require a commercial driver’s license and those jobs that involve the supervision of children, medical patients, the disabled and others who are vulnerable.

“Working to eliminate pre-employment marijuana testing from the City application process is one of several common-sense steps I’m proud my administration has taken to build an inclusive City workforce and ensure employment opportunities exist for more Kansas Citians — particularly for hourly workers who disproportionally come from Kansas City’s Black or brown communities,” Lucas said in a statement.

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