Michigan News
(2010-06-29)
Joseph Casias, the Battle Creek man is suing Wal-Mart for firing him. Casias was terminated him when he tested positive for marijuana
(photo by Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio)
A Calhoun County man is suing Wal-Mart for firing him for using medical marijuana.
The lawsuit was filed today in state circuit court in Battle Creek.
Joseph Casias has been fighting cancer for 13 years. He also has an inoperable brain tumor. He says the only relief he gets from the pain comes from medical marijuana.
Casias uses medical marijuana within the state's guidelines.
But after a positive marijuana test, his employer, Wal-Mart fired him for violating the company's drug policy.
The American Civil Liberties Union has now filed suit on Casias' behalf.
"Joseph (Casias) was discharged merely because he is a medical marijuana patient," says attorney Daniel Grow, "He never came to work under the influence of medical marijuana. He never asked for any accommodation from his employer. All he wanted to do was work and he was fired."
Casias is seeking back wages and additional financial damages.
Wal-mart issued a statement saying the situation was unfortunate, but that they acted with the company acted with its customers' safety in mind. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio
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