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Medical Marijuana in the California Work Place.

Medical Marijuana in the California Work Place.

Nurse helping a lady in a wheelchair

On May 22, 2012, the Circuit Court of Appeals issued its opinion in James v. City of Costa Mesa, stating that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not protect an employee using medical marijuana, even if the individual is using medical marijuana under the supervision of a doctor and in compliance with state law. James v. City of Costa Mesa was a case where 4 disabled people sued the city of Costa Mesa to try to stop the city from closing down the collective that dispensed medical marijuana.

In the court’s decision, the point was stressed that the ADA is specific in that it does not include a disabled individual that is currently engaged in illegal drug use. The disabled individuals argued that their drug use should not be considered illegal because they were under the care of a doctor and as such California State law allows it. But because federal law does not allow the use of marijuana in any capacity, it still qualifies as illegal drug use for purposes of the ADA.
Even though the facts of this case did not involve an employee / employer relationship, the precedent has been set. ADA specifically prohibits the protection of an individual engaging in the use of an illegal substance. Therefore any disabled individual that is under a physician’s care and is legally using medical marijuana in the state of California is still considered to be breaking federal laws.
It’s important to note that discrimination based on the use of medical marijuana is not illegal but discrimination based on a person’s disability is strictly prohibited.
Labor law is complex; if you have any questions regarding your employment it is recommended that you contact a California labor law attorney who can help you understand your rights and in many cases will review your situation without charge.

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Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Syda Productions

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