SALEM - Oregon employers are telling lawmakers that medical marijuana puts them in a tough spot between conflicting state and federal laws.
The Daily Journal of Commerce reports that 1 of the largest trade groups in the state told the Oregon House Business and Labor Committee this week the conflict makes it nearly impossible for employers to comply.
The Associated General Contractors of Oregon says that employers just can't walk the same legal tightrope with the state, which doesn't prosecute people for medical marijuana use - but doesn't stand in the way of federal prosecution.
Oregon voters legalized medical marijuana in 1998. But it remains illegal under federal law, which was upheld in 2005 by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The issue may be partly resolved with the announcement this past week by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that federal agents will target marijuana distributors only when they violate both federal and state laws.
Five new bills on marijuana are up for consideration in this session of the Legislature.
News Hawk: MsRedEye:420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 2009 Associated Press
Contact: Contact Us | The Associated Press
Website: The Associated Press | The essential global news network
The Daily Journal of Commerce reports that 1 of the largest trade groups in the state told the Oregon House Business and Labor Committee this week the conflict makes it nearly impossible for employers to comply.
The Associated General Contractors of Oregon says that employers just can't walk the same legal tightrope with the state, which doesn't prosecute people for medical marijuana use - but doesn't stand in the way of federal prosecution.
Oregon voters legalized medical marijuana in 1998. But it remains illegal under federal law, which was upheld in 2005 by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The issue may be partly resolved with the announcement this past week by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that federal agents will target marijuana distributors only when they violate both federal and state laws.
Five new bills on marijuana are up for consideration in this session of the Legislature.
News Hawk: MsRedEye:420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 2009 Associated Press
Contact: Contact Us | The Associated Press
Website: The Associated Press | The essential global news network
