Florida’s Legal Medical Marijuana Shouldn’t Limit Employment Opportunities
In Florida, medical marijuana is legal, but it’s often viewed as a separate entity from other prescribed medications. This stigma can lead to employment discrimination, as companies and corporations have the authority to determine which doctor-prescribed medications are permissible in the workplace. This raises concerns about fairness and potential violations of employee rights.
For individuals like Steven Jenkins, a disabled veteran who uses medical marijuana, the consequences can be severe. Despite following Florida law and paying high costs for his medication, Jenkins has been limited to certain job opportunities due to his “failed” drug test. This is not only unfair but also highlights the need for more transparency and understanding about medical marijuana.
One of the main issues is the lack of regulation around medical marijuana in the workplace. Employers are often left to make decisions about which medications are allowed, despite lacking medical expertise. This can lead to discriminatory practices, as employees who use medical marijuana are often viewed as a higher risk than those who use other prescribed medications.
Another concern is the high cost of medical marijuana in Florida. Patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana per month, but the dispensaries typically sell the medicine in smaller increments. This can lead to patients going elsewhere for their medication, potentially putting them at risk of using illegal or counterfeit products.
The Florida government has yet to address these concerns, leaving medical marijuana users like Jenkins to navigate a complex and often unfair system. It’s time for lawmakers to take a closer look at the issues surrounding medical marijuana in the workplace and implement policies that promote fairness and understanding.
Questions remain about why employers have the freedom to engage in discriminatory practices, why dispensaries can charge high prices, and why individuals are “failing” drug tests for medication that has been legally prescribed. Until these questions are answered, medical marijuana users will continue to face unfair treatment and limitations on their employment opportunities.
