COLUMBIA, Md. — The journey of change often travels at a slow pace, a reality well understood by firefighters and executive members of IAFF Local 2000, Matt Johnson and Brad Klukas.
WATCH: Growing enthusiasm following updates in medical marijuana policy
Growing enthusiasm following updates in medical marijuana policy
Despite the challenges, their perseverance has proven to be invaluable.
“The process was certainly frustrating at times, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” stated Vice President Johnson. “We gained immense knowledge, assuring that we now have the best policy possible.”
Together, they have been instrumental in advocating for regulations that permit firefighters and EMTs to utilize medical cannabis during their off-duty hours. This significant initiative was officially recognized last week.
“This issue resonates deeply within the firefighting community,” remarked Klukas.
Two and a half years ago, Klukas introduced the concept to Johnson through an extensive presentation illustrating how medical marijuana could effectively address a range of symptoms faced by firefighters, including sleep disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and cancer.
“When I reviewed the complete list, I thought, ‘This aligns perfectly with the challenges of our job; why isn’t this already in place?’” Klukas reflected.
For him and many others in the fire service, this topic is particularly personal.
“A firefighter who was a close friend of mine passed away from cancer. Thanks to his access to medical cannabis, he was able to spend three extra months with his family before he passed away,” he shared. “I can’t quantify what it would mean to have even a few extra months with loved ones; it underscores the importance of our advocacy.”
Despite their emotional commitment, the road to this policy was fraught with challenges. It necessitated collaboration with experts, extensive research, insights from civil rights organizations, as well as coordination with the county, its health department, and fire management to bring the initiative to fruition.
Their efforts were further supported by State Senator Clarence Lam from District 12, who is also a practicing doctor.
“The necessity of this policy was universally acknowledged; the negative impacts associated with this profession are well-known. However, convincing some stakeholders to support an unconventional solution proved to be a tough challenge,” Klukas explained.
This policy received approval from 89% of union members earlier this month.
Presently, there is no reliable biometric method available to test for marijuana intoxication, meaning that the enforcement of this policy relies on fire officers being vigilant and treating it similarly to any other instance of prescription medication impairment while on duty.
In response to these changes, officers will undergo additional training focused on recognizing impairment, with the new guidelines set to be enforced starting January 31, 2026.
“If any officer exhibits clear signs of impairment, they will be immediately removed from duty, treated as if under ‘reasonable suspicion,’” Klukas explained.
Potential State-Wide Reforms on the Horizon
“We hope to be the first in a series of reforms,” Johnson remarked.
Two years ago, the Professional Firefighters of Maryland adopted a resolution during its annual conference aimed at promoting this change throughout the state.
Klukas notes that there is significant interest from local unions across Maryland.
Since then, they have been actively pursuing efforts in Annapolis.
During the last session, S.B. 1023 successfully passed through the Senate but unfortunately did not make it through the House as the session came to a close.
Both Johnson and Klukas are ready to return to the state house, this time with hopes that their groundwork will generate enough momentum to successfully bring their initiative to the Governor’s desk.
