Pubdate: Sun, 6 Jan 2008
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2008 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.seattletimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

OFF-JOB POT USE UP FOR DEBATE

SALEM, Ore. -- A construction-industry group wants companies to have 
the legal right to bar users of medical marijuana from working in 
potentially hazardous jobs such as operating heavy machinery.

It is an issue that state lawmakers will likely take up during a 
monthlong session that begins Feb. 4, and one that will produce 
vigorous debate over whether people's right to legally use medical 
marijuana can be trumped by issues such as workplace safety.

Under Oregon's 1998 medical-marijuana law, employers don't have to 
let patients with medical-marijuana cards smoke it in the workplace.

But the law left it unclear whether employers must accommodate 
workers who smoke medical marijuana off the job.

Negotiations are being conducted at the State Capitol over a bill 
sought by Associated General Contractors specifying that 
medical-marijuana users who work in dangerous or "safety-sensitive" 
jobs could be fired or disciplined if they test positive. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake