Introduction

For many years, people of the United States have argued if marijuana should be legalized or not.

"It makes you lazy. It makes you stupid. It's a gateway to heavier and more lethal drugs." Things that opposers might say.

-Or-

"It is not as harmful as alcohol. It helps with my father's seizures. I've learned to appreciate the smaller things." Things that advocates might say.

About two-thirds of the states now have medical marijuana laws that allow people with certain medical conditions to use marijuana with a doctor's authorization. However, just because marijuana is legal in many states doesn't mean that it's allowed in the employment context. In most states, employers are free to fire or discipline an employee who uses marijuana at work or shows up to work under the influence of marijuana—even if they need it to treat a medical condition.

Personally, I don't believe that disciplining an employee for working under the influence of marijuana is a crime. Safety is a valid concern - especially when working in industrial environments. However, many states explicitly allow employers to FIRE or REFUSE TO HIRE employees for off-duty medical marijuana use, regardless if they have a valid medical marijuana card or not.