The Associated Press reports that Walmart was legally allowed to fire an employee for drug use - even if the drug use was medical marijuana that was legal in the state where it was used.
According to the story, “U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said the law, approved by voters in 2008, bars authorities from prosecuting people for marijuana use but doesn't tell private employers what to do.”
The employee in question, Joseph Casias, a former associate of the year at the store where he worked, was fired by Walmart after “he tested positive for marijuana in 2009. He has a medical-marijuana card and smokes pot to alleviate symptoms of an inoperable brain tumor and cancer.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plans to appeal.
The AP writes that “Wal-Mart said it was pleased with the decision and sympathetic to Casias' medical problems. ‘We have to consider the overall safety of our customers and associates, including Mr. Casias,’ spokesman Greg Rossiter said. ‘Until further guidance is available, we'll always default to what we believe is the safest environment’.”
According to the story, “U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said the law, approved by voters in 2008, bars authorities from prosecuting people for marijuana use but doesn't tell private employers what to do.”
The employee in question, Joseph Casias, a former associate of the year at the store where he worked, was fired by Walmart after “he tested positive for marijuana in 2009. He has a medical-marijuana card and smokes pot to alleviate symptoms of an inoperable brain tumor and cancer.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plans to appeal.
The AP writes that “Wal-Mart said it was pleased with the decision and sympathetic to Casias' medical problems. ‘We have to consider the overall safety of our customers and associates, including Mr. Casias,’ spokesman Greg Rossiter said. ‘Until further guidance is available, we'll always default to what we believe is the safest environment’.”
- KC's View:
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The firing may have been legally permissible, but it certainly won’t win Walmart any Mother Theresa Awards.
