Mar 18 (Pen Men at Work): Joseph Casias, a Wal-Mart employee was dismissed for the use of marijuana, even though he did it legally. He worked as an associate at Wal-Mart in Battle Creek, Mich.

Joseph Casias’ doctor had advised him to take marijuana medically to bear the gnawing pain he had because of sinus cancer and a brain tumor pressing against his skull, which couldn’t be operated on. However, he confirms that he never went to work while he was high.

Casias was shocked that he was terminated because of this. He has worked for the company for five years and was even Wal-Mart associate of the year in 2008. He was too stunned to accept that he was fired.

The 29-year-old still cannot understand how any employer could fire him for using medical marijuana, which had been prescribed by his doctor. He has been using it since 2008 and it’s legal in Michigan. He also admits to have a card that states that he can legally use the drug. The card has been sanctioned by the state.

Marijuana laws have been made very clear in fourteen states. However, some of the laws, which protect users against criminal charges, are a bit ambiguous relating protection at the workplace.

However, Michigan’s law holds some legal shields for workers.

According to James McCurtis, a spokesman for Michigan’s Department of Community Health, a person cannot be discriminated against if they have possession of a card sanctioning marijuana and if it is used for medicinal purposes.