Amazon Hit with Disability Discrimination Suit by Medical Marijuana Patient

A medical marijuana patient and former warehouse worker for Amazon filed a disability discrimination suit against them for wrongful termination. In July 2018, the employee who worked at the warehouse in Edison, New Jersey took a drug test for the company that showed positive results. A month later, Amazon allegedly fired him for marijuana use. The worker informed his employers that he had a prescription for medical marijuana due to an anxiety and panic disorder. When they received the explanation about the medical marijuana patient’s use, they placed the worker on paid leave. Eventually, though, they terminated his position again, citing that he failed to submit paperwork to request an accommodation for his prescription and not informing them about it earlier.

Currently, the New Jersey State Supreme Court plans to investigate the matter of medical marijuana in the workplace. Apparently, a state statute regarding medical marijuana use states that it is illegal for an employer to fire or subject a medical marijuana patient to any type of adverse action at work. Employees who possess some type of disability, whether it be physical or mental, are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for unlawful discrimination.

If you faced employment discrimination at your workplace, our Pennsauken disability discrimination lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. will review your claim and ensure a favorable outcome. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation in which to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout South Jersey and Pennsylvania from our offices located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.