Colorado Court: Marijuana Use by Employees Does Not Ensure Job Protection in Pot-Friendly State (Video)

By

While medical and recreational marijuana use may be legal in Colorado, employers in the state can lawfully fire workers who test positive for the drug, even if smoked while off duty, according to a court ruling on Thursday, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Colorado Court of Appeals found there is no employment protection for medical marijuana users.

"For an activity to be lawful in Colorado, it must be permitted by, and not contrary to both state and federal law," the appeals court stated in its conclusion.

The Marijuana Policy Project said the ruling appears limited to state law since it does not fall under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act., news reports said.

Marijuana advocates argue that the courts are discriminatory toward them because Colorado's Lawful Off-Duty Activities law protects workers from being fired for legal behavior when they off hours. They cite cigarette smoking as a protected activity. They also said smoking off the job was a gray area and warned people to be familiar with their employers' drug policies.

The Washington State Supreme Court also has found that workers could be fired marijuana use, even for medicinal purposes. even if it is authorized by the state's medical marijuana laws, reports said.

Tags
Marijuana Legalization

© 2025 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Discussion
More News
Watts Blame_04032025_1

Colorado Dad Who Murdered Family Blames Mistress in Stunning Prison Letters—And Says God Will 'Deal With Her Someday'

No Jail for Medical Student Found Guilty of Raping Drunk

No Jail for Medical Student Found Guilty of Raping Drunk Woman Who 'Couldn't Possibly Consent': He Is 'Young' and 'Talented'

Puerto Rican Server Told to 'Go Back to Mexico' By

Puerto Rican Server Told to 'Go Back to Mexico' by Customers in Racist Note: 'No Tips for Illegals'

Georgia Man Chris Louis Leaves Children at McDonald's

Georgia Dad Left Young Children at McDonald's While He Went to a Job Interview. Cops Were Waiting When He Returned