FDNY ceases random, scheduled and pre-employment testing for marijuana

According to Local 854, like the department’s alcohol policy, there will be testing for cause if a member is thought to be impaired on the job

July 14, 2022 12:31 AM

By FireRescue1 staff

NEW YORK — The FDNY announced on Wednesday that it will no longer test for marijuana at random or pre-employment screening.

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (IAFF Local 854) tweeted the news, sharing a picture of an FDNY Bureau of Operations memo distributed to all boroughs from Chief of Operations John Esposito.

The memo reads in full: “The New York City Law Department has issued guidance that prohibits adverse employment actions on off-duty marijuana usage. This will change pre-employment, random and scheduled drug testing policies for marijuana. Use of any substance while at work still remains strictly prohibited. Guidance on these changes will be disseminated in the next 14 days.”

UFOA noted that, like the fire department’s alcohol policy, there will be testing for “cause” if a member is thought to be impaired.

The FDNY will no longer be testing for marijuana at random or pre-employment screening.
There will be testing for "cause" if a member is thought to be impaired. Similar to alcohol. pic.twitter.com/04a10igcBs
— UFOA 854 (@UFOA854) July 13, 2022

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