By Joanna Putman
Police1
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — New cannabis rules add another layer of recruiting challenges, one Maryland police chief told News 4.
Cannabis use is legal in Maryland, but officers are not permitted to use the drug and must be cannabis-free for three years prior to applying, according to the report.
“I think in today’s environment, where we are with the legalization of cannabis, that has now restricted law enforcement agencies, particularly larger agencies, across the state,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said.
Officials say they want to have more flexibility in regards to marijuana use in the hiring process, according to the report.
“Having a legal drug become a barrier to increasing law enforcement seems like it’s a bad policy,” said Montgomery County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard.
Montgomery County, which already offers a $20,000 sign-on bonus, reports an officer shortage, but officials state that the effects of the marijuana issue will likely become more evident in time.
“It’s a big issue now, but it’s going to become an increasingly large issue as more people who have consumed with legalization consider policing, they realize they’re ineligible, that’s when we expect to see a bigger drop-off in applications,” Stoddard said.
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