Health Law

Cancer-Stricken Walmart Worker Sues over Firing for Medical Pot Use

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A Walmart employee who has an inoperable brain tumor and sinus cancer alleges in a lawsuit that the retailer violated Michigan law when it fired him for using medical marijuana.

Joseph Casias says he was fired from the Battle Creek store even though he had registered with the state as a medical marijuana user, according to the Associated Press and a press release. Casias says he was not under the influence of the drug while he was on the job.

State supreme courts in Montana, California and Oregon have sided with employers in disputes over medical marijuana, the AP story says. Casias’ lawyers maintain that the Michigan law offers greater protections for employees legally using the drug.

The suit (PDF) was filed with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.

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