Off-duty police officers in New Jersey were cleared to use cannabis without facing disciplinary action a few months ago, although some municipalities have put their own bans in place. But firefighters are wondering where they stand in the world of legal weed. Steve McConlogue works in Elizabeth’s fire department and is president of the largest firefighter union in the state. He’s worried that a positive test from a legal drug could void worker’s compensation claims, something that New Jersey’s recreational cannabis law doesn’t address.

“I can’t tell my members ‘don’t do something’ when it’s legal, but I also can warn them, as their union president, ‘hey — there are some very gray areas, and we don’t have all the answers yet as to what ramifications can come from this,” said McConlogue.

That confusion extends to the use of medical marijuana, which has been a big help for some first responders. 

Former firefigher Dan Jensen worked in Ocean County for 14 years. The work was rewarding but stressful, and he says cannabis helped him kick a drug habit and lose 100 pounds.

State Sen. Bob Singer (R-Ocean) has introduced a bill that would ban certain workers from using cannabis, including people who operate heavy machinery or weapons, or people who would put the public at serious risk by using. Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (D-Hudson) has introduced a separate bill that would ban cannabis use by anyone involved in law enforcement.