State toughens stance on pot-related comp claims

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Wednesday signed into law a bill that creates a rebuttable presumption for injuries allegedly related to marijuana use.

H.B. 1084 allows employers to deny workers compensation benefits following a workplace injury if a drug test shows a worker had marijuana in his or her system.

The measure adds to the state’s already existing law on alcohol consumption, substance testing and workplace injury compensability.

The law states that the burden of proof is on the employer.

North Dakota lawmakers are considering a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state; the House on Feb. 23 approved H.B. 1420 with a vote of 56:38. That bill now sits with a Senate committee.