Public Media from Michigan State University

Medical marijuana user sues over Walmart firing

By AP

DETROIT –

A man who uses medical marijuana to treat symptoms of an inoperable brain tumor and cancer has filed a lawsuit claiming he was wrongfully fired from a Walmart store in
Battle Creek after testing positive for the drug.

The lawsuit Tuesday in state court says Joseph Casias of Battle Creek was fired last year despite being legally registered to use the drug under Michigan's medical marijuana law. Casias says he didn't use marijuana at work.

Michigan voters approved medical marijuana use in 2008. Federal law still prohibits the sale and cultivation of the drug.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says in a statement that it is an "unfortunate situation" but employers must follow the federal standard. It says it's an issue of customer and employee safety.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email