Honolulu Fire Confronts Medical Marijuana Test Case

Posted by: Curt Varone December 13, 2015 0

A Honolulu firefighter with a prescription for medical marijuana who tested positive on random testing will keep his job, but must complete counseling and stop using the drug.

The unidentified firefighter reportedly has a medical marijuana card and can lawfully possess and use the drug. However, the Hawaii law that legalizes medical marijuana does not require employers to accommodate its use.

According to Hawaii News Now, the firefighter and a Honolulu police officer who also tested positive have been given “one strike”, and warned that future positive tests will not be tolerated. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, and as such remains illegal even in jurisdictions where state law allows.

Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL

Here is some additional information on Hawaii’s medical marijuana law: Hawaii Physian-Information-Med-Marijuana-rev113011

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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