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

July 10, 2025

June 14th, 2022 / -- 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 uncharted waters? We believe our panel discussion will lay a blueprint for organizations to look to when building their own THC testing system. Whether your organization is just starting with drug testing or is 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.

Watch The Full THC Testing Webinar Recording Here


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 affect hiring and staffing for the future.

Meet our past panelists below!

Joanmarie Circle

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 in developing 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.

Sheriff Figueroa Circle

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 was also part of investigations relating to organized crime, economic crime, corruption, racketeering, extortion, and identity theft.

Michelle Circle
Michelle Pyan

President, CIChecked

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

Michelle is an active member of the PBSA, SHRM, and 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.

Benita Circle

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. 

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