Statement of Councilmember Grosso on emergency bill to protect government employees enrolled in medical marijuana programs

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2019

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Matthew Nocella

Statement of Councilmember Grosso on emergency bill to protect government employees enrolled in medical marijuana programs 

Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso on his emergency legislation to protect government employees who are enrolled in the District of Columbia’s Medical Marijuana Program from discrimination. He withdrew the emergency legislation following a lack of support from other councilmembers:

“It is unfortunate that my colleagues were unwilling to support emergency legislation to protect our hardworking government employees who are enrolled in the District’s Medical Marijuana Program from being discriminated against by executive branch agencies. 

“What they are essentially saying is that they do not trust government employees who, in consultation with their doctors, are using marijuana to treat their medical condition. 

“The fact is medical marijuana is just like any other medication and to treat it differently is a vestige of a War on Drugs mentality that this body has continually tried to change. 

“To the current workers or those seeking employment, I’m sorry that we were not able to make things right by acting today. 

“I will continue to push for the permanent legislation that has been referred to Councilmember Silverman’s Committee and I will work over the next couple weeks to again attempt to advance emergency and temporary legislation.”

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