SACRAMENTO -
The Obama Administration has instructed Federal Prosecutors not to go after people who use marijuana legally under state law. The American Medical Association just last week reversed their stance on pot - saying it shouldn't be considered among the most dangerous, addictive drugs.
As FOX40 News showed viewers Tuesday, marijuana for medical use is pretty easy to get in California. But that doesn't mean that smokers have an easy time.
The recommendation gets you in the door - allows you access - but it's not carte blanche.
"The employee can be terminated for drug testing positive, even though they're allowed to use it," said Deborah Barron, an attorney who specializes in Human Resources issues.
Because federal law still prohibits pot, if you turn in a hot drug test, your boss has the legal right to show you the door. And with some California doctor offices making huge profits as patient mills, a recommendation doesn't necessarily stop the stigma of being a pot patient either.
"Unfortunately, it only has to be a few doctors to really make things smell bad for the public," said Ryan Landers, a medical marijuana advocate.
Landers helped collect signatures for Prop 215 all those years ago. He says pot has come a long way, but he knows it still doesn't enjoy the same legitimacy as even Nyquil or Aspirin.
"How many people get things to treat common illnesses, or get things on a regular basis? I believe in the market definitely choosing," said Landers.
And the market is choosing - Marijuana is an estimated 14 billion dollar business in California, putting our law on a collision course with the federal rules that make marijuana use a fire-able offense.
"This ambiguity in the law needs to be addressed. Something needs to be done. It can't continue forever going in opposite directions," Barron said.
Of course, all of this is precursor, to next November. A year from now., you will have the chance to vote on a bill that will make marijuana legal for all Californians.
If that happens - a showdown with the Federal Government is inevitable.
As FOX40 News showed viewers Tuesday, marijuana for medical use is pretty easy to get in California. But that doesn't mean that smokers have an easy time.
The recommendation gets you in the door - allows you access - but it's not carte blanche.
"The employee can be terminated for drug testing positive, even though they're allowed to use it," said Deborah Barron, an attorney who specializes in Human Resources issues.
Because federal law still prohibits pot, if you turn in a hot drug test, your boss has the legal right to show you the door. And with some California doctor offices making huge profits as patient mills, a recommendation doesn't necessarily stop the stigma of being a pot patient either.
"Unfortunately, it only has to be a few doctors to really make things smell bad for the public," said Ryan Landers, a medical marijuana advocate.
Landers helped collect signatures for Prop 215 all those years ago. He says pot has come a long way, but he knows it still doesn't enjoy the same legitimacy as even Nyquil or Aspirin.
"How many people get things to treat common illnesses, or get things on a regular basis? I believe in the market definitely choosing," said Landers.
And the market is choosing - Marijuana is an estimated 14 billion dollar business in California, putting our law on a collision course with the federal rules that make marijuana use a fire-able offense.
"This ambiguity in the law needs to be addressed. Something needs to be done. It can't continue forever going in opposite directions," Barron said.
Of course, all of this is precursor, to next November. A year from now., you will have the chance to vote on a bill that will make marijuana legal for all Californians.
If that happens - a showdown with the Federal Government is inevitable.
