What You DON’T Know:
THC Testing in New York State


As part of our commitment to being the most innovative and educational background investigations partner, we were extremely excited to host this event on THC Testing in New York. Marijuana is legal in New York State, but we're still in the early stages of what this means for businesses. Those that employ workers who need to be sober to do their jobs safely and effectively need to have a strong, compliant drug testing process.

But to this point, marijuana can't be tested the same way that other drugs and alcohol can, as THC stays in your system longer than most substances. How can businesses monitor their workers for THC in these unchartered waters? We believe our panel discussion will lay a blue print for organizations to look to when building their own THC testing system.

Whether your organization is just starting out with drug testing or are looking to strengthen an existing system, we believe this information will prove valuable at a time when Human Resource teams need it most.

Obtain great insight into ways to navigate through the new laws surrounding testing, changes employers are having to make internally, negative dilute, differences from the law enforcement perspective on civilian testing, and how to measure impairment.

Scroll down to read more about each of the panelists and their perspectives on this issue. Click the button below to receive your copy of the full recording!

THC Testing in New York Panelists Talking

Learn about the updated New York State THC testing laws, and how background investigations lead to smarter hiring decisions. Hear from multiple perspectives how these new laws will effect hiring and staffing for the future.


Joanmarie Dowling

Managing Member, Dowling Law, PLLC

Joan Marie is the founder and managing member of Dowling Law, PLLC, a certified woman-owned business, and Clarity HR Solutions LLC. Dowling Law, PLLC provides strategic employment law advice and representation to organizations throughout New York State. Clarity HR Solutions LLC supports employers to develop strong employee relations strategies and
efficient HR practices.

Joan Marie previously served as Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President of the Capital Region Human Resource Association and as a member of the New York State Society for Human Resource Management’s State Council.

Juan Figueroa

Sheriff, Ulster County

After 4 years active and 18 years as a reserve in the US Marine Corps, Juan became a State Trooper in 1988. During his 25 year career he assumed key leadership roles as a Police Academy Instructor and Field Training Officer, then as an Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for 19 years.

Juan worked on several long term investigations involving Money Laundering / narcotics and drug cartels. Investigations during his term resulted in the seizure of over $60 million in cash, 400+ kilos of drugs, and the arrest of key figures in the drug trade. Juan also was part of investigations relating to organized crime, economic crime, corruption, racketeering, extortion, identity and theft.

Michelle Pyan

President, Commercial Investigations LLC

Michelle has 31 years of experience in the background investigations industry and she founded Commercial Investigations LLC in 2004. She believes that businesses need to take advantage of all ethical, legal and available options to assure that the appropriate applicant for a particular position is hired.

Michelle is an active member of the PBSA, SHRM, CRHRA, and has been part of the WPO since 2013. She is a licensed private investigator in New York, Florida, and Wisconsin. She has been recognized to speak at multiple industry seminars in the past, including by the FBI.

Read her full bio here.

Benita Zahn

Moderator, Capital Cardiology Associates

Benita is a certified Health and Wellness Coach working with clients at Capital Cardiology Associates. Benita spent more than 40 years as a health reporter and news anchor at WNYT in Albany, NY. She covered issues such as wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition, and the latest health care trends.

Benita's work has taken her around the world and across the USA. She's covered the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, the inauguration of President Obama and both Republican and National Conventions. Benita is a contributor to the weekly “Live Smart” page in the Times Union, the HMRRC Pacesetter and the magazine 55+LIVING. She also created and hosts a podcast, EVERYTHING THEATER. 

Commercial Investigations LLC strives to be the most educational and innovative background investigations partner. Thank you for your interest in the THC Testing in NY State Panel.

Whether your organization is just starting out with drug testing or are looking to strengthen an existing system, we believe this information will prove valuable at a time when Human Resource teams need it most.

Obtain great insight into ways to navigate through the new laws surrounding testing, changes employers are having to make internally, differences from the law enforcement perspective on civilian testing, and how to measure impairment - soon.

Please fill out the form to receive your copy of the full recording! If you have any questions about building your compliant drug testing system, let us know in the Message section of the form. We would be happy to set up a time to speak more in-depth!