When it comes to the legalization of marijuana, there are two different aspects: There is recreational marijuana and then there is medical marijuana. Various companies across the country screen future and current employees for drugs such as marijuana. These screenings include looking for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Most of marijuana's psychological effects are due to the chemical response to THC. Now that marijuana is starting to become legal in various states, for both recreational and medical purposes, should companies change their policies? Is there a case to be made for companies to stop screening for THC?

The first would be an employee testing positive for marijuana who uses it for medical reasons. There are 23 states and Washington, D.C., in which medical marijuana is legal. Considering that it is a legal treatment for various medical issues, does the company have a right to discriminate due to the person's choice of treatment?

If the person has all the proper documentation and went through the legal processes of acquiring the treatment, the company should not punish them for choice of treatment, especially if they would hire someone else with the same medical condition who is pursuing a different treatment. Hiring and jobs being kept should be based on merit and qualifications.

Now, when it comes to recreational marijuana, the subject gets a little more complicated. Recreational marijuana is currently legal in four states and Washington, D.C., with restrictions. However, just because it is legal, does it mean employers will allow for their employees to use such drugs? The truth is that companies will continue to fight against their employees using marijuana.

However, I do not believe companies should punish or even test for the drug unless productivity is failing and it is affecting their working habit. There is a difference between a person being high at work and engaging in the use of marijuana with friends on the weekend. Adults also occasionally drink alcohol and some smoke cigarettes, but just because they engage in these activities socially does not necessarily mean they will let it affect their work or professional life.

There will be a case to be made to eliminate testing for THC in states where there is legal access to marijuana. However, where there is no legal access to marijuana, it is more of a gray area. Since currently it is up to the states and the law has not passed in certain states, that means a majority will most likely agree to keep testing for THC.

Legalizing marijuana has begun to change the attitudes of many, but it is still a widely controversial issue. The future for the drug is still uncertain, especially with the new presidential elections coming up. What do you think? Share your opinion below.