A newly updated policy will allow Howard County firefighters to use medical cannabis while off duty in 2026, with safeguards in place to address safety, testing and fitness for duty

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — Howard County firefighters will be permitted to use medical cannabis while off duty under an updated Fire and Rescue Services Substance Abuse Policy, County Executive Calvin Ball announced on Dec. 19. The agreement between the county and Howard County IAFF Local 2000 is the first major revision to the policy since 1991.

The revised policy takes effect Jan. 31, 2026, and permits uniformed members of the county Department of Fire and Rescue Services to use medical marijuana while off duty, CBS Baltimore reported.

| MORE: Can fire departments prohibit firefighter off-duty medical marijuana use?

“The job is a dangerous one, and it comes with an increased risk for cancer, heart and lung disease, and behavioral health conditions, including sleep disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder,” Ball said. “This policy reinforces our commitment to supporting our members, who display courage, sacrifice, and dedication in order to protect our community.”

Under the new rules, firefighters may not use cannabis within 12 hours of a shift and must submit a valid medical cannabis authorization form to the county Office of Human Resources. The update also adds new reasonable-suspicion testing standards, expands post-accident testing and revises existing alcohol testing guidelines.

Union leaders say medical cannabis could help firefighters manage chronic pain, sleep disorders, PTSD and other health conditions.

The change follows President Donald Trump’s decision to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, as both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in Maryland.

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