Editor's note: This is the first installment of a two-part series reviewing the unintended effects marijuana legalization has had on the U.S. workers' comp sector. The second half, which touches on the unintended benefits of cannabis and how psychedelics might change things, is available here.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medical use and today 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia have similar laws on the books. During all those legislative sessions — amidst the push and pull of politicians and special interest groups — no one took pause to consider how medical marijuana legalization would impact workers' comp.
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