cannabisnews.com: Pot Law Could Snuff Out Testing Policy










  Pot Law Could Snuff Out Testing Policy

Posted by CN Staff on December 25, 2008 at 05:27:51 PT
By Edward Mason  
Source: Boston Herald 

Massachusetts -- A voter-approved law reducing possession of small amounts of marijuana to a civil offense threatens to unravel drug testing of police and other public employees, the Herald has learned.The law, which goes into effect Jan. 2, prohibits government agencies and authorities from enforcing any punishment for pot possession with a fine greater than $100, according to the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, and defines possession so broadly as to include traces of pot in blood to urine to hair and fingernails.
“This very much threatens to undermine our ability to do the drug testing we do,” said Jack Collins, an attorney for the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association.Collins is calling for police departments to stop drug testing certain employees until the Legislature can explicitly allow public employees who fail drug tests to be punished. Without swift action, police departments and other agencies face lawsuits from unions protecting their members, Collins said.“At this point, it looks like a violation of their rights, and then there’d be a lawsuit and it would cost thousands of dollars,” he warned.Berkshire District Attorney David Capeless predicted the new law has far-reaching consequences for even school bus drivers and MBTA train operators, who could point to the law and say they can only be fined, not fired, for marijuana offenses.“People given the critical job of looking after children or the general public, there’s a greater risk now they could be high,” Capeless warned.Concerns about the viability of punishing people for flunking drug tests follow news reports of drug use by public workers. The Herald found that 77 MBTA employees have failed substance-abuse tests over the past three years.A task force set up by Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke is examining the implications of the new law and how it will be enforced. Burke’s office is expected to provide answers to questions of drug testing by year’s end.Meanwhile, the Boston Police Department plans to continue drug testing regardless of any uncertainty, said Elaine Driscoll. “Enforcing our drug policies is non-negotiable,” Driscoll said.Source: Boston Herald (MA)Author:   Edward Mason Published: Thursday, December 25, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Boston Herald, Inc.Website: http://www.bostonherald.com/Contact: letterstoeditor bostonherald.comURL: http://drugsense.org/url/ePMfU1B3Related Articles:Marijuana Won’t Be Decriminalized Until Januaryhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24353.shtmlPolice Fear MJ Law Will Lead To Increased Usehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24301.shtml

Home    Comment    Email    Register    Recent Comments    Help





Comment #40 posted by FoM on December 29, 2008 at 19:59:08 PT
fight_4_freedom
Thank you. I signed up for the sticker. We're watching a documentary on John Kennedy. Barack Obama could be a great President. I don't think we've had a great President since JFK. I am glad Obama won and will be in charge during these very perilous times. He is inheriting a mess.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #39 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 29, 2008 at 18:58:23 PT
Forgot the link to the free stickers
http://pol.moveon.org/shepstickers/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #38 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 29, 2008 at 18:57:35 PT
I haven't heard all that much from him
But from what I've heard by him so far, he sounds like an awesome artist.Yes FoM, a new beginning is almost upon us. A brand new, fresh start! I'm looking forward to our future with the Obama administration. I know it will not bring us everything that we want, but I think we will get back on the right track with this administration. Today I received my free, moveon.org Obama sticker in the mail. Here's a link to get your free sticker for whoever wants one. It's really nice looking too!It only took a couple weeks to get here.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #37 posted by FoM on December 29, 2008 at 18:30:38 PT
fight_4_freedom
Thank you. I remember seeing it during the DNC and I loved it. I like John Legend. It's almost time. Less then a month and Obama and his family and a puppy will be living in the White House. What an amazing time we live in.Happy New Year!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #36 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 29, 2008 at 18:00:19 PT
Here's the same song with a different video
If You're Out There - SD Civil Rights March 11.8.8 Music Videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJcI1FrbYlk
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #35 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 29, 2008 at 17:50:29 PT
I Love This Song!!!!
It looks like it was a hit back in the summer, but I didn't hear it for the first time until the other day. I know you'll love it FoM. (if you don't already)Happy Holidays C-News! Sending tidal waves of love to all of you!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qswNDkehg4John Legend - "If You're Out There" - 2008 DNC Denver,CO
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #34 posted by Dankhank on December 29, 2008 at 15:06:55 PT
Mahakal
Namastéthanks ...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #33 posted by afterburner on December 28, 2008 at 12:27:10 PT
Here's a Mostly Good Tribute to Cannabis Normalcy
Canada: Cultural Lesson - It's Good That Everything Went To Pot, National Post, (27 Dec 2008) 
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v08/n1165/a09.html?176
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #32 posted by Hope on December 28, 2008 at 11:28:17 PT
While ceasing unreasonable tests
of substances drawn from the human body would be a wonderful side effect of these changes in the law... I have no doubt that the greedy, bloody, filthy, corrupt drug testing industry will find a way to surmount any barriers to their "gold mine".
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #31 posted by FoM on December 28, 2008 at 08:38:24 PT
John Tyler
CSNY are still the best. When we saw them 2 times during the Freedom of Speech Tour it was something I'll never forget. From the angry person throwing beer at Neil and the fight in the parking lot after the show in Columbus to the joyous celebration of the final show in Pittsburgh. The parking lot at the last concert was full of happy people who loved this tour and came together one more time to party and do a lot of smiling. From the very young to the very old it was something to behold. Like a person shouted out Old People Rock and young and old laughed. I'm glad I have these memories and Afterburner was with us from Canada for the last show. I think I will enjoy Across The Universe too.Happy New Year 2009!http://www.csny-dejavu.com/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #30 posted by John Tyler on December 28, 2008 at 08:20:41 PT
C S N
Each one of these guys is a great singer and musician, but when you put them together their musical ability goes to some other higher level of perfection that I think is just simply profound.FOM, I think you will enjoy Across the Universe.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #29 posted by OverwhelmSam on December 28, 2008 at 04:12:56 PT
They Set The Drug Testing Scheme In Place
Let them scramble now to tear it down fast enough to keep from being sued. Serves the ones who are supposed to protect and serve right, because they are neither protecting, or serving the people.
[ Post Comment ]

 


Comment #28 posted by E_Johnson on December 27, 2008 at 12:35:34 PT

Paul that's great 
That's great that Fox covered you. The NYT just let Elsohly promote the marijuana potency myth. How about a blog post on that?I hope we're not going back of the NYT of the Clinton era where they become a literal mouthpiece for the ONDCP.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #27 posted by paul armentano on December 27, 2008 at 10:57:25 PT

Fox News story based on my blog post
Watch the video here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkrQDh8FBVwRead my prior blog post here:http://blog.thehill.com/2008/12/15/legalizing-marijuana-tops-obama-online-poll/
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #26 posted by FoM on December 27, 2008 at 09:50:47 PT

John Tyler
Thank you. Of all the musicians that had any influence on me it was CSNY. One of my favorite songs was Teach Your Children.PS: Last night I ordered Across The Universe. I tried to download it before and it didn't work so I actually forgot about it. I went to Amazon.com and it was on sale for $8.99. We will get to watch it on New Years Eve or New Years Day.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #25 posted by John Tyler on December 27, 2008 at 09:30:29 PT

comment
This author and the people he has quoted are speaking from a position of a total lack of knowledge. Cannabis users are not addicted to cannabis and have to use it all the time like cigarette smokers are to nicotine, nor are they like alcoholics who have to have alcohol. Cannabis users as a whole are very responsible and do not, and would not jeopardize themselves, their coworkers or the public by being at work impaired. Cannabis usage is a thing to be enjoyed when the time is right. Cannabis users know that. Metabolites in the system days later do not indicate impairment.I hope everyone at CN had a Merry Christmas, or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate, and will have a good new year. My best wishes to FOM for another fine year. By the by, I got the Crosby, Stills and Nash Greatest Hit CD for Christmas. It is really fine. 

[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #24 posted by FoM on December 27, 2008 at 08:59:28 PT

Storm Crow
I agree with you. I had the opportunity to talk with a 30 year old with a family of three children, works for his family owned company and his wife is an elementary school teacher. We talked about what matters to him and what bothers him. It was an enlightening conversation for both of us and those who listened. We need to communicate to figure out how to fix our country. We will need to be strong. We can spend our time blaming, ranting and raving or we can think and think about how to make it a little better. We need to try. We can't succeed if we never try.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #23 posted by Storm Crow on December 27, 2008 at 08:45:28 PT

FoM....
I'll be happy if we only hit the recession like that of the 70s- I fear a depression like the 30s! Yet, I am still filled with hope. Obama may get things working right. His Change.gov is an excellent start- rather than just listening to a select group of advisers, Obama may actually listen to his bosses- the American people! Well, we ARE in for some tough times, but times of change are seldom easy and are often exciting! Have a Happy and Joy-filled New Year! 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #22 posted by FoM on December 27, 2008 at 07:21:25 PT

Just a Comment
I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Now that Christmas is over I'm looking to the new year. I have learned by talking to different people that plants are continuing to close for the time being. The ripple effect is happening. My husband and I have been talking about the time in the 70s when no one had a job prospect. Those days were a real learning experience for life. I think we will see it again. One way or the other this coming year will be very interesting.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #21 posted by Mahakal on December 26, 2008 at 19:00:41 PT

Happy Christmas
For Christmas, I made kadosh besamim giylah chem'ah. Mixed with olive oil and honey it may do wonders even for the feet. Bless you God, king of the universe, who created cannabis the tree of life. Bless you God, queen of peace, who is mother of cannabis the tree of life.ברוך אתה יהוה אלוהינו מלך העולם בורא פרח קנה־בשם העץ חייםBaruch Atah Iahuveha Elohenu Melech Ha'Olam Borei Perach Kaneh-Bosm Ha'Etz Chayyimברוך אתה יהוה אלוהינו מלכה השלום אם פרח קנה־בשם העץ חייםBaruch Atah Iahuveha Elohenu Malkah Ha'Shalom Em Perach Kaneh-Bosm Ha'Etz ChayyimLove and blessings to all.Aum Shanti Shanti Shantihi.Namasté.
cannablog
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #20 posted by Storm Crow on December 26, 2008 at 15:28:57 PT

Look who's in the Rose Parade! 
Snipped from- http://www.ocregister.com/articles/viejo-mission-community-2267502-age-nameWho's riding Mission Viejo's Rose Parade float?About 600 people entered the city's lottery to represent difference slices of life in the community in October, said Kelly Doyle, Recreation and Community Services director. Eight were selected.Name: Anna T. BoyceAge: 78Representing: Longtime community volunteerCommunity connection: Anna is a member of the Community Services Commision who has spent more than two decades volunteering for organizations and championing causes she cares about. She has served on the Senior Citizen Activities Committee, Heritage Committee, Senior Citizens Activity Team, and the Mission Viejo Activities Committee. She co-authored the Medical Marijuana Initiative – Prop 215 Compassionate Use Act for patients with specific illnesses to use for medicinal purposes. She is a member of the Mission Viejo Elks Ladies, Mission Viejo Lions Club, and volunteers at the Fun with Chalk event.WAY TO GO, ANNA! 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #19 posted by mykeyb420 on December 26, 2008 at 09:22:02 PT

XMAS
Hi all
 We had a great xmas party for all the medical cannabis patients here in SF last night with standing room only. After the party was over, there was a rowdy bunch of protesters called " Axis of Love", ( special interest group), out in front of our club complaining about US being open and serving people on XMAS. Can anyone explain why giving out free food and cannabis on XMAS is a bad thing?
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #18 posted by FoM on December 26, 2008 at 06:50:05 PT

INJUN_JOE
I'm sorry to read that. I hope he gets better and returns to talk to us again.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #17 posted by INJUN_JOE on December 26, 2008 at 06:37:48 PT

Paul Peterson
I heard Today That Paul Peterson was committed to the looney bin AGAIN. Sound like Paul got off his meds and really went off the deep end. It sounds like Paul is has once again bit off more than he could chew. Anyone with any more news on Paul please let us know.IJ
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #16 posted by FoM on December 26, 2008 at 05:51:28 PT

BGreen
We had a nice and modest Christmas too. One thing we got was a documentary called Pete Seeger: The Power of Song. It showed me the desire to value the working people of America. I hope we are entering an era that will bring back that awakening of a more simple life and important values. I think of the direction we have been going with the stock market being so important and I believe it has been fueled in many respects by the substances that fire up people. We need to slow down and reason and think and feel again.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #15 posted by BGreen on December 25, 2008 at 21:16:58 PT

Merry Christmas Everybody!
I hope all of you had a great day. We sure did. My family had a lot fewer presents this year but somehow it seemed like we had a better time with each other just being family.Let's all keep trying to make sure that "Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Men" isn't just a trademarked marketing slogan to be dusted off once a year, only to be ignored for another 11 months.With love,The Reverend Bud Green
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #14 posted by FoM on December 25, 2008 at 20:32:21 PT

Dankhank
Nice weather. It's down near 20 now but they just said on the news it might hit 67 on Saturday. Ice storm to spring weather in a couple days. Amazing. I hope you had a pleasant holiday. We did.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #13 posted by Dankhank on December 25, 2008 at 20:01:13 PT

High All ,,,
Denver got to 55 degrees today.Beautiful days for all ...Peace ...
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #12 posted by MarijuanaSavesLives on December 25, 2008 at 14:12:14 PT

MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #11 posted by E_Johnson on December 25, 2008 at 13:44:12 PT

Maybe they're starting to realize
They've wasted all their credibility on self-serving lies, and not enough voters believe them any more.I pray that Obama doesn't spend the next four years wasting his credibility on those same lies or he's going to feel the burn too.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #10 posted by Vincent on December 25, 2008 at 12:36:59 PT:

No more drug-testing
So, the cops in Massachusetts have to suspend drug-testing, eh? Oh, boo-hoo! When I first heard about drug-testing in 1984, I couldn't believe my ears. I never thought that it would withstand a Constitutional challenge, but apparently it has. Pretty sick, don't you think?
   I never have been drug-tested, nor will I ever be.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #9 posted by The GCW on December 25, 2008 at 09:23:37 PT

runruff,
Cannabis prohibitionists should be treated like vampires. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1157/a12.html?1176US CO: PUB LTE: Prohibition Isn't FunnyDec. 24, 2008
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #8 posted by runruff on December 25, 2008 at 08:52:22 PT

Modesty?
Since Feb. '04 I've had to pee in front of scores of different people. It is humiliating. I can't even turn my back!I have always been a private person and modest about my body. Some of these cops were obviously gay. I am a man who truly understands the feelings of a woman who has been oogled in a leering, most creepy way. I've heard all the remarks with the double entendres. You learn to ignore it all and fill the cup. I have been held in cages for hours waiting for my bladder to yield. It is medieval!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #7 posted by FoM on December 25, 2008 at 08:37:51 PT

My Body
When they go inside a person's body to check what's in there and then try to put them in jail if they don't like what they find that is immoral to me. How is that freedom?  Is there any history that shows how wrong it is? Our privacy is a right and they want to take it away from us. I hope they stop and think before they follow this direction any longer. I mind how it makes a person feel to be violated like that. It really is sad.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #6 posted by HempWorld on December 25, 2008 at 08:36:16 PT

FoM a very best Ho Ho Ho to you!
You are on a mission from God too ...
On a mission from God With CannabisNews!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #5 posted by FoM on December 25, 2008 at 08:25:56 PT

HempWorld 
And a big Ho! Ho! Ho! to you!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #4 posted by Storm Crow on December 25, 2008 at 08:05:50 PT

Runruff.....
In comment #1, you sound just like my brother! lol If I didn't know better, I'd say you were Dave in disguise! We were on the phone last night and he said, almost word for word, what you said (with a FEW more cuss words mixed in, though)! Merry Christmas everyone- we got snow last night and one of those gloriously clear winter days today! Happy kids all over the mountain, today! May your holidays be blessed! 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #3 posted by runruff on December 25, 2008 at 07:50:52 PT

"Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights!"
"Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it!"-braveheart.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #2 posted by HempWorld on December 25, 2008 at 07:47:45 PT

Oh No Watch Out, The Sky Is Falling ...
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to All CNews Readers and Contributors and to FoM especially!
On a mission from God!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #1 posted by runruff on December 25, 2008 at 07:46:21 PT

 Once the home of the free and brave!
“This very much threatens to undermine our ability to do the drug testing we do,” Those idiots act like pee testing is normal and legal.It is perverse and unconstitutional!Our bodies are our most sovereign possession.One day I woke up in America land of the pee!Make me king for a day. I would hang a lot of bastards!
[ Post Comment ]





  Post Comment