The number of registered medical marijuana patients in Florida is estimated to be about 300,000. The patients are issued with medical marijuana cards that give them access to MMJ for them to legally to treat some medical conditions. However, these licensed users of medical marijuana in Florida are facing negative consequences at work and in school.
Some of the people who have suffered a setback in their education or career because of medical marijuana include Kaitlin McKeon who enrolled for a nursing program at Nova Southeastern University. The school requires applicants to do a drugs test, and hers came back positive for marijuana. She uses medical marijuana to treat chronic stomach pain. After the failed drugs test, the school dismissed her application which further derailed her career and education.
Another victim is Alan J. McDuffie who worked for the city of Miami. He applied for a permanent position with his department and was required to do a drug test which turned positive for marijuana. The city fired him even after he told them that he is registered for medical marijuana. McDuffie uses marijuana to manage back spasms. Both McKeon and McDuffie have filed suits against their respective institutions. They claim that the institutions discriminated against them for using medical cannabis.
Florida’s statute of medical marijuana gives employers the freedom to implement drug-free policies and the law does not stipulate that employers retain workers using medical marijuana. However, the new legislation that could change all that in Florida is in the House. The bill which was proposed by Boca Raton Rep. Tina Polsky would provide some protection for people using marijuana in schools and workplaces.
Adam Kemper, a Boca Raton employment attorney whose specialization is medical marijuana compliance, said that the timing of the bill is perfect because the number of people using medical marijuana in Florida is increasing.
The bill would prohibit employers from discriminating, firing, downgrading, or taking any other adverse action against an employee who is a registered user of medical pot. However, the bill would not offer protection for people whose jobs are safety-sensitive such firefighters, people operating heavy pieces of machinery, drivers, those handling dangerous materials, carrying weapons, and persons providing care to children or patients.
The new bill stipulates that a person whose drug test is positive must provide a written notice explaining why the tests are positive. They can also submit a doctor’s certification and MMJ cards as proof of legal use. The bill also permits people fired or penalized for using marijuana to file a lawsuit against their employer for compensation and reinstatement.
Kemper also said that if pot usage is hampering with an employee’s job performance, the bill allows employers to take action such as discharge the person from their duties.
The legislation does not address employees’ rights when an employer asks about the medical condition that requires them to use pot. However, federally, if an employee is seeking accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act, they must disclose their medical history and the specific medical condition to the company.
Under any other condition, the employers would be crossing the line if they asked employees personal questions.
According to industry watchers, marijuana industry players like VPR Brands LP (OTCQB: VPRB) and Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) welcome this proposed law because employees or students will no longer be made to choose between treatment and their jobs or studies.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.