Medical Marijuana Law Could Cost Oregon Workers Their Jobs

Salem, ORIn a move that some commentators have referred to as an affront to states rights, the Oregon Supreme Court has issued a new medical marijuana law that allows companies to fire employees found to be using the substance.

Despite a seemingly unified opposition to the legislation - only 611,000 citizens voted in favor of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act, according to the Salem News - the new ruling was passed down during the case of Emerald Steel Fabricators versus the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

The Supreme Court ruled that an employer is not responsible for accommodating an employee's disability through the use of medical marijuana, since its usage is still seen as illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

"The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program has always been clear with cardholders that the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act does not offer individuals any protection from federal law," said the State Bureau of Labor and Industries in an official release.

Pending legislation in Arizona seeks to decriminalize medical use of marijuana, though it will not go on a ballot until the election in November.