Legislators exempt themselves from drug tests, ignore medical marijuana patients

Louisiana legislators could have acted to protect medical marijuana patients this session. They chose not to. Instead, they passed a bill to exempt themselves from drug tests. And in a twist of hypocrisy, the legislature also passed a bill to allow employers to withhold wages for pre-employment drug screenings. Louisiana's legislators have enacted the ultimate double standard, and they need to be challenged.

Legislators decided that they should no longer be tested for substances that they may use in their private lives (such as marijuana). They should change state law to extend the same respect for privacy to those who use marijuana to alleviate their pain and suffering.

Please urge your legislators to introduce a medical marijuana bill next session: Only you can convince them that this issue is vital to Louisiana residents.

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This session, legislators passed S.B. 687, the bill that repeals the provision requiring random drug testing of elected officials. At the same time, they passed H.B. 1642, which authorizes employers to withhold wages for the drug testing of potential employees. Both of these bills have been sent to Governor Foster (R) for his signature.

Why will legislators not extend legal protection to those who use marijuana for medical purposes—after they passed a bill so that they will no longer be tested for substances such as marijuana? With your help, they will.

Public support for medical marijuana is increasing—80 percent nationwide, according to the latest Time/CNN poll—but legislators will not act without constituent support. Your help is needed to protect Louisiana's medical marijuana patients from criminal penalties.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this information on so that even more voices for reform can be heard.