Pubdate: Sun, 28 Dec 2003
Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Richard Bayer, MD

RX FOR MARIJUANA

Thank you for your editorial, "Accommodating legal pot" (Dec. 20). We both 
agree that medical marijuana and any potentially sedating drug raise 
concerns in the workplace if used improperly.

Many good employees require potentially sedating but important medicines 
such as blood pressure medicine, opioids, antidepressants, insulin or 
medical marijuana.

Urine testing does not test for marijuana-caused impairment at work. It 
only means marijuana was used in the past few days or weeks. Instead of 
federally mandated urine testing for a "drug-free workplace," employers and 
employees should together seek an "impairment-free workplace."

If Oregon congressional representatives would initiate efforts to 
reschedule marijuana so doctors could prescribe it, many concerns could be 
resolved.

RICHARD BAYER, M.D. Southwest Portland
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom