The Rhode Island Superior Court is slated to hear a case involving alleged discrimination against a prospective employee who used medical marijuana. The Rhode Island ACLU is claiming the employer tried to shut out a worker with a disability.
The 2014 case hinges on a University of Rhode Island student’s summer job and her status as a medical marijuana cardholder. Student Christine Callaghan disclosed her medical status to her potential employer – Darlington Fabrics – and was denied a paid summer internship, according to the suit. The ACLU claims that denial constitutes disability discrimination. The organization is seeking monetary damage on behalf of its client.
Darlington tried to have the suit thrown out in the summer of 2015. But now the Superior Court will hear motions for a summary judgment in the case.
Medical marijuana-related employee discrimination cases have been shot down in other states, in part because federal law still prohibits the use of marijuana.
Darlington did not return a request for comment.