Medical Marijuana is no longer illegal under Federal law

[alnorth]

This may end up in DC, but I think it is surprising, and big enough news that it may deserve a spot in the lounge. To be clear, in states where there is not medical marijuana, it is still illegal under state law, obviously. Including most midwest states where most of us live.

http://www.inquisitr.com/2645930/fed...spending-bill/

This was not widely publicized or debated, but apparently buried deep in the 2,000+ page 2016 spending bill, congress quietly banned the DEA and any other federal agents from raiding medical marijuana dispensaries in states where it is legal.

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law as a schedule I controlled substance, but this effectively ends the threat that the Feds might someday crack down on medical marijuana in states where it is legal.

[eDave]

This will open some floodgates.

[KCrockaholic]

So one day those of us with random drug testing jobs will be able to smoke marijuana as we wish?

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

So one day those of us with random drug testing jobs will be able to smoke marijuana as we wish?

By the time this is the case, I suspect we'll be retired. Maybe not though, who knows anymore. Change has been coming quickly these days.

[Third Eye]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

So one day those of us with random drug testing jobs will be able to smoke marijuana as we wish?

Weed could be completely legal tomorrow, but your company can still drug test you. It has nothing to do with legality.

[eDave]

Originally Posted by Third Eye

Weed could be completely legal tomorrow, but your company can still drug test you. It has nothing to do with legality.

Yup. Can bar you from drinking today if they wanted too.

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by eDave

Yup. Can bar you from drinking today if they wanted too.

Most companies are not enthusiastic about testing beyond the opening screen, though. I work for a very conservative company and they definitely test before hiring.

Beyond that though.... I've been with my employer 10 years and never been tested again, which tells me they are only interested in screening out the undisciplined degenerates who can't even hold it together long enough until they have gotten the job. They are not as interested in finding out that current functionally effective hard-working employees might be on something.

[eDave]

Originally Posted by alnorth

Most companies are not enthusiastic about testing beyond the opening screen, though. I work for a very conservative company and they definitely test before hiring.

Beyond that though.... I've been with my employer 10 years and never been tested again, which tells me they are only interested in screening out the undisciplined degenerates who can't even hold it together long enough until they have gotten the job. They are not as interested in finding out that current functionally effective hard-working employees might be on something.

For sure. Heck, 90% of randoms get tossed over cost. Just a scare tactic.

Pre-employment ones are legit though. I've failed one.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by alnorth

Most companies are not enthusiastic about testing beyond the opening screen, though. I work for a very conservative company and they definitely test before hiring.

Beyond that though.... I've been with my employer 10 years and never been tested again, which tells me they are only interested in screening out the undisciplined degenerates who can't even hold it together long enough until they have gotten the job. They are not as interested in finding out that current functionally effective hard-working employees might be on something.

I've been subject to randoms for over 10 years. Screening does nothing if you have a brain in your head.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by Third Eye

Weed could be completely legal tomorrow, but your company can still drug test you. It has nothing to do with legality.

If you have a script though, you're "cool"... Maybe...

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

So one day those of us with random drug testing jobs will be able to smoke marijuana as we wish?

I don't think so. Companies will still be free to tell you that you can't smoke it if you work for them. And most still will.

[kysirsoze]

Originally Posted by splatbass

I don't think so. Companies will still be free to tell you that you can't smoke it if you work for them. And most still will.

I don't know. If it's a prescribed medication I could see there being some issues there.

[frozenchief]

Originally Posted by kysirsoze

I don't know. If it's a prescribed medication I could see there being some issues there.

You could argue some Americans with disabilities Act issues but if thy can show why it's detrimental to the job, you'd lose out. So you couldn't do it as an airplane pilot of some other job where you needed to be in complete control of your faculties. This would pretty much mean any job where you operate heavy equipment. That is just a minimum.

A doctor can prescribe medication and you can still lose your job if either the medication or the underlying medical condition would mean you cannot perform your job. It is really a case by case basis but do not expect to keep being a train engineer if you have a physical condition that requires medical marijuana. Now, I don't do employment law so maybe because of the union contract they would have to offer you a desk job that did not require operating a train. That answer is dependent upon the contract but as an attorney, I would start there and then look to see if your job provided an exception or if the contract required another remedy.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

So one day those of us with random drug testing jobs will be able to smoke marijuana as we wish?

Just because its legal doesn't mean your job will allow it.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Just because its legal doesn't mean your job will allow it.

Exactly. Just like some employers don't want you to use Alcohol and tobacco.