cannabisnews.com: Should Medicinal Pot Users Get Job Security? Should Medicinal Pot Users Get Job Security? Posted by CN Staff on May 25, 2008 at 05:08:03 PT By Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol Bureau Source: Sacramento Bee CA -- Californians gave Gary Ross the legal right to smoke medicinal marijuana at home. But that didn't keep the Carmichael resident from being fired for doing so.Ross is at the epicenter of a fight pitting the rights of more than a quarter-million medicinal marijuana users against those of business owners. "It's insane that someone has to fight so hard to use a medication that a doctor says is best for your treatment," said Ross, 46. The issue is not whether workers can be stoned on the job -- they can't -- but whether even trace amounts of doctor-approved pot are grounds for firing.The California Supreme Court ruled against Ross in January, sparking recent legislation to protect the jobs of medicinal users. The court found that California's medicinal marijuana initiative, passed in 1996, did not address employment.Since marijuana is illegal under federal law, businesses have the right to fire anyone who tests positive for it, the court ruled."An employer may require pre-employment drug tests and take illegal drug use into consideration," the Supreme Court ruled.Stewart Katz, Ross' attorney, said the ruling essentially forces medicinal pot smokers to choose between work or medication.Because marijuana can be detected in the system for days or weeks after use, medicinal users can be fired long after any effects are felt, Katz said."They shouldn't be rendered second-class citizens," he said. "On a fundamental moral, ethical level, it's just completely wrong.""It's a medicine, folks," said Ross, a single father of two who now works in park management. "Why can't we take our mind out of the Sixties, move forward and apply the science that's available to us?"Others argue that forcing businesses to accept medicinal marijuana users could increase the risk of accidents and endanger others."That's a liability that our members don't necessarily want to take on," said Marti Fisher, representing the California Chamber of Commerce.Fisher said employers should be free, as they are now, to decide whether a frequent marijuana user poses an unacceptable risk. Snipped Complete Article: http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/964495.htmlSource: Sacramento Bee (CA)Author: Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol BureauPublished: Sunday, May 25, 2008 - Page A1Copyright: 2008 The Sacramento BeeContact: opinion sacbee.comWebsite: http://www.sacbee.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #42 posted by FoM on May 27, 2008 at 07:05:02 PT Hope I really don't know. I will never forget him doing what he did years ago. I will never forget Clinton voting for the war either. Politicians should be held accountable for what they have done. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by Hope on May 27, 2008 at 06:33:04 PT Or....Is it really? A word from Barr, I mean. "The platform reads...."So maybe it's just what the platform "reads" and is not actually a quote from Barr. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by Hope on May 27, 2008 at 06:31:12 PT Comment 35 : Finally... a word from Barr. I hope he's sincere. Time will tell."The suffering that drug misuse has brought about is deplorable; however, drug prohibition causes more harm than drugs themselves," the platform reads. "The so-called 'War on Drugs' is in reality a war against the American people, our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is a grave threat to individual liberty, to domestic order and to peace in the world." [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on May 27, 2008 at 06:26:46 PT Hope Today is the first day I can feel hot weather is on the way. We will need to put in our air conditioners soon. It goes from heating to air conditioning almost over night. I remember gradual changes in the weather years ago but not now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Hope on May 27, 2008 at 05:22:11 PT Eighty to forty... That is drastic! And those drastic changes cause bad storms.Spring is always scary around here, tornado wise. It's beautiful and green... but when the sky is cast too green... I get worried. Of course, they can hit any time and there is the possibility... all the time... but Spring seems worse to me, generally. It's been hot here. We turned on the air conditioner this weekend for the first time. That was mostly because of company. I love having the windows open and can endure a lot of warmth beyond the point most people have given up and retreated to air conditioning.Wildlife over at the farm seems extra abundant. That's nice. The other day I saw rabbits, squirrels, and road runners... and a raccoon later in the evening. A new calf was born. She's named May Flower. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on May 27, 2008 at 05:02:22 PT Hope These storms have been crazy. Last night when Stick called he was near Chicago and it was 80. A front came in with high winds and now it is in the upper 40s. Usually by this time the temperature around here is getting hot and I'm still burning wood at night. I do hope everyone is ok and that the storms settle down. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by Hope on May 27, 2008 at 04:57:53 PT Storms We know DankHank and GCW are safe. Thank God. Now we need to hear from the Bro. Rev. Ray Green that he and his are ok as well as Fed Patient, George McMahon and his family. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on May 27, 2008 at 04:41:35 PT Marijuana Project Parties with Barr http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080523/NATION/39459226/1002 [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by Dankhank on May 26, 2008 at 21:01:25 PT weather` no tornadoes 'round here, thanks ...hope it stays thata way ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on May 26, 2008 at 20:36:35 PT DankHank I hope those bad storms weren't out your way. I can't get over the power of these tornadoes. I hope they die down soon but that's unlikely I think. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by dankhank on May 26, 2008 at 20:23:41 PT ABC?? What about ABM???Isn't that even more important? [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on May 26, 2008 at 18:05:54 PT ChristenMitchell That's why I voted and very happily for Barack Obama.Yes We Canhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by ChristenMitchell on May 26, 2008 at 17:41:44 PT: ABC - Anyone but Clinton - The Next Evil I can't trust the ambitious. Don't Go Here [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by Had Enough on May 26, 2008 at 16:10:05 PT Bob Barr I don’t think Bob Barr had a change of heart… I think he still likes power, authority, and the cash that comes with it.He just found a new avenue to further his personal gains.We won’t get fooled again…************WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN - Special Edition Recuthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUbGLVvfB7Y&feature=related [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on May 26, 2008 at 14:10:50 PT ChristenMitchell Should I have considered voting for Hillary Clinton since I am opposed to the war and she voted to go to war? [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by NikoKun on May 26, 2008 at 13:40:37 PT Everyone should take a look at... ... The comments on this article's original web page.The sheer number of misinformed people on there, is simply scary.Everything from comments claiming that Marijuana is "not medicine", to simple pot-bashing-trolls.If this is public opinion, I'm scared... Truly scared... Wherever they get their information... God I just pray the majority out there has better opinions than this...These people need some alternative information sources or something... At least some opposing opinions.Not trying to start a flame war or anything, but I'd suggest some of us post a few comments on there. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by ChristenMitchell on May 26, 2008 at 13:38:42 PT: Isn't Barr a Good Start With the alarming rate that the truth is censored, aren't men like Barr a real hope. How can you do anything but praise someone who wakes up. If he was prohibitionist evil then he would be the better man to wake up others. If he speaks the right message, no one could be more valuable. Our Greenest Future [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by NikoKun on May 26, 2008 at 13:25:04 PT Thanks Hope ^_^; just wanted to say that [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on May 26, 2008 at 11:01:06 PT Had Enough Thank you. That means so very much to me. My decision to stand for my convictions was very painful for me. I know I upset a lot of people. I battled with it for a longtime probably at my own health's sake but I just had to do and say what my heart said. I've always followed my heart. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Sam Adams on May 26, 2008 at 10:17:35 PT Bob Barr Yuck! Looks like I won't be voting Libertarian for prez this year!!! No f'in way.We're supposed to believe that Mr. Medical Marijuana Nazi is now a freedom-loving Libertarian? Horrible. Very disappointed to see this happen. All of the other choices were better.But maybe it is a plot to take McCain down. That could very well be it. Gravel was a Democrat and would have taken votes from Obama. Maybe the Libertarians aren't as wacko as we think! [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by Had Enough on May 26, 2008 at 10:10:23 PT Yes FoM Your wish just might come true…:)…As you know I was hoping for Ron Paul, but he is out.Obama, well I just might have to reconsider. I cannot vote for a Clinton or McCain, or a BOB BARR either. So maybe it just might be Obama…And I also want to take this time to thank you for sticking by your guns…Obama wasn’t my first choice, but he was yours, and you never backed down. Good for you. That is the spirit and actions that might help us get our country back to the people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on May 26, 2008 at 09:42:15 PT My 2 Cents I have wanted Senator Obama to be our next President since 2004. I think my wish will come true.http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 09:21:02 PT Had Enough... the Bob Barr ticket... I agree. I've voted Libertarian often and where I can. But I wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole. The man is a proven and famous traitor to our once sacred voting system. I haven't seen that he's sorry for that and that he's changed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 09:15:19 PT NikoKun Dang. I meant I'm sorry I got your name wrong.Busy morning... running back and forth, balancing a lap top and all it's cords and stuff and trying to post quickly.*Sigh*Everyone have a good and safe day.Those we memorialize today.... Thank you. Thank you all, wherever you are. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Had Enough on May 26, 2008 at 09:09:49 PT Bob Barr re: #12I don’t trust that man…In most past elections, I’ve always voted libertarian. Not this time. Bob Barr will not get this vote…whether it matters or not... [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 09:03:59 PT Memorial Day Veterans and service people. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and deep appreciation for all you've done, and tried to do, and believed you were doing, to and for all of you. Thank you. Have a good Memorial Day, everyone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 08:59:45 PT NikoKun Sorry about not getting your name wrong. You put the truth into words very well. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 08:57:21 PT NikoSun You are so right.I wish everyone could read, and hear, and understand the truth you have written on this page. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Hope on May 26, 2008 at 08:50:52 PT Yes... I usually remember to be very thankful Then I think of the real risks so many people have taken and what people are standing up against and resisting the hateful tyranny of. I think of the real suffering and death and persecution.The REAL suffering and death and risk. Real suffering. Not what the cruel, hate filled, superstitious and fearful, ignorant, tyrannical monsters of self righteousness who are just so pissed about you getting that "Illegal smile" that they will kill and imprison people over it.They think they suffer because someone else is enjoying cannabis and they don't want them to. They're monsters and brute beasts that have no respect for the rights and choices of others.I remember what the prohibitionists and overbearing government try to make people believe... that it's our fault...the people who would use the plant...that people are being killed and harmed. They call themselves "good guys" and break down people's doors and destroy the sanctity of their homes. They insult. They degrade. They threaten and terrorize. They kill... because of our grateful acceptance of this pretty fancy little gift from God or Creation or Nature or the Earth... however you see it.I ask my self, "Why?" I ask God, "Why?" I remember the victims... their faces... their stories, their man and government inflicted violent tragedies, the degradation, humiliation, terror, and pain inflicted on them and if I remember victims out loud as I often do ... most people listen respectfully while I have my say. Some people know me well enough to know what I'm thinking when they see it in my face... my demeanor... and if I say something out loud... I am a buzz killer unparalleled. A lot of people can not bear to think about it as much as I do. They can't bear to think, very much of the size and power of the monster we resist. It's hard to blame them. I'm certainly afraid, and very worried. Not just for myself... rarely for myself... but for all those I know that are suffering at the hands of government and prohibitionists and all those that are going to suffer because of prohibition and it's enforcement. And... on many days of the year and always today... I remember the men and women who gave their lives or limbs or health that we might be a free people... and I think what an insult this prohibition and persecution is to those who fought and stood up to tyrants and those who would own us... who would own our very thoughts and minds and hearts and those who would enslave us to their will. Tyrants who would draw away our very will, our souls, to themselves... to enrich themselves with worldly goods... at a terrible cost to us. They did not want tyrants to own us. They wanted us to be free to own ourselves.I will do them the honor of remembering them... of Memorializing. They tried. I will, too.I am a woman with a very gentle spirit. I would break under the burden of it if I didn't try in my small way to end it. Someone get a little higher than they want? Call me. I can bring them down in a hurry. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by NikoKun on May 26, 2008 at 07:27:15 PT This needs to be fixed These morons don't seem to see the truth, cause they don't want too.A cannabis user is no more a risk to employers than an alcohol user is!And just like with alcohol, the only time there should be a problem is when they come to work drunk or high.Using cannabis in the privacy of one's home, in their off hours, holds absolutely no barring on worker productivity. Studies prove this. In fact, Cannabis users were found to be more socially motivated, which I'm sure means they'd work even better in some situations.On top of that, the benefit that Cannabis gives to a person, is reduced stress, and easier relaxation... So a user is probably more likely to go back to work the next day, refreshed and with a clean mind.It is absolutely absurd that Employers would want to hold that against employees... They simply do not understand the harm they are doing to THEMSELVES, by punishing cannabis users. Misinformation has taken it's tole, big time...If employers refuse to give up that old stereotype, and wont look at the reality of Cannabis Users, then a law should be enacted to FORCE them to ignore that factor when looking for employees. And they should not be allowed to fire an employee for Cannabis use alone. If they do, I believe the Employees should have the right to sue... That is simply no reason, in reality, to fire someone over, unless they were to come to work high or were otherwise causing a real problem. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on May 26, 2008 at 02:36:23 PT Buzz Kill, LOL! You do just the opposite around here, Hope!Speaking of real buzz kills, the man who once could have been called Congressman Buzz Kill, Bob Barr, today won the Libertarian nomination for President.http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/25/barr.election/My sympathies were probably with Gravel and Kubby, but Barr's running might help Obama by taking votes from McCain.Nevertheless, I'm glad I wasn't planning on voting for the Libs this year. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on May 25, 2008 at 16:45:00 PT OverwhelmSam That was really good. We've been out all day so I'm sorry it took so long to get back and say thank you. I got a lot of brush hogging done today. I love our very very very old tractor! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by OverwhelmSam on May 25, 2008 at 12:52:44 PT FoM As usual, I'm a day late and blindfolded.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzshzPdDxQo [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Hope on May 25, 2008 at 12:42:19 PT In my heart... not always out loud... but in my heart, I do. Rejoicing."always say a prayer of thanks" [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Hope on May 25, 2008 at 12:40:24 PT Very good idea, Sam. I tend to be that way... thankful for the gift and sad about all this persecution and terror and loss.That's probably where I get another one of my nicknames. "Buzz Kill". But it's true and I can't and won't forget them.:0) [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on May 25, 2008 at 12:35:46 PT OverwhelmSam I watched that movie yesterday. It was so good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on May 25, 2008 at 10:23:22 PT Hope Maybe we should take a few seconds every time we get together with friends over a pipe or bowl and remember those who gave up everything for this cause. The rastafarians always say a prayer of thanks before they light the cutchie. Even with things as they are, we've got a lot to be thankful for in this country. If not for the efforts of reformers and freedom-fighters through the years, the police would be be every morning to urine test us, and send us off to corporate work-camps.If not for Thomas Jefferson this country would have become a tyrannical monarchy in 1800! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Sam Adams on May 25, 2008 at 10:20:25 PT great article! Wow, how often do you see real pictures of police with truncheons in the USA? Never. Except for this paperhttp://salem-news.com/articles/may242008/pot_culture_5-24-08.php [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Hope on May 25, 2008 at 09:58:29 PT Memorial Day Perhaps, one day, we can establish a Memorial Day to remember those lost to the the War on Drugs.Veronica. Charity. Kathryn. Jonathan. Eric. Donald. Esequial. Alberto. Ashley. Peter. And so many more. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Sam Adams on May 25, 2008 at 09:46:44 PT fascinating issue as I"ve observed before, medical MJ is a fascinating issue that cuts across many areas of our law, society and culture that are flagrantly wrong or abusive.It tends to expose things for what they really are, both when you use it, and when you legislate against it. This should be no surprise, for most corporations the reaction to finding out that an employee has cancer is immediate dismissal. Look at what the ideal employee in this country has become - an illegal immigrant, with no legal rights, no tax payments to make, no lawsuit if you work them until they're injured or dead. If they get hurt or sick, back to Mexico. Fired them illegally? back to Mexico. What's the 2nd best employee? A wage slave in China. You can get them to make your goods in totally unsafe conditions, with a tyrannical government holding the currency down for you by force, and an environment where you can't breathe the air or drink the water without getting sick. THIS is the what the American corporate elite wants! They want beatings and starvation for workers that don't produce enough.So it's no surprise they want to be able to fire anyone using marijuana. If they can use it to fire the sick employees, that's even better!Another abhorrent national value that we seem to have is that we all must live our lives in a way to keep insurance premiums low. In other words, insurance corporations control our lives and freedoms. That is horribly wrong and damages American life and ecnonomy in so many way it's hard to even measure it. Blind fealty to the insurance industry has virtually eliminated many outdoor activities and sports in the country, especially for young people.Notice how none of the articles on this subject ever mention brand-words like "Oxy-contin" or "Vicodin" or "Ambien" or "Zoloft", all of which are badly detrimental to mental processes and reaction time. It's classic Doublethink in action. Somehow it's OK to fire and starve the medical marijuana user, but not the guy staggering to work under the load of 50 grams of synthetic heroin. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by OverwhelmSam on May 25, 2008 at 08:00:09 PT Also In Memorial Recognition John for doing a lot more than he was given credit. To help us understand our government and our power.http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/us_vs_john_lennon.php [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by OverwhelmSam on May 25, 2008 at 07:28:06 PT Why The Hypocrisy? Nobody seems to care if twentyfive percent of the population comes to work hung over half the time or the ten percent hopped up on pharmaceutical drugs. Why should people have to give up their private life just to become a wage slave? I recommend everyone become an independent contractor, mow lawns, sell stuff on ebay, build parks, I don't care, just stop working for these production oriented greedy corporations. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment