Florida teacher’s firing sparks debate about medical marijuana use for school employees
2 min read
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Commissioner for Agriculture Nikki Fried held a virtual chat on Friday to discuss policy modernization after a The Brevard County teacher was fired for using medical marijuana.
The discussion included Vice President of the Brevard Federation of Teachers, Vanessa Skipper, and former teacher Allison Enright.
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Enright was fired last month after discovering her medical marijuana use after a drug test following an injury at work.
“Nobody should have to choose between their health and their work,” said Enright. “It’s just a choice that shouldn’t be.”
Enright talked about how she was prescribed opioids and how she was confined to a wheelchair until she turned to medical marijuana.
“Allison uses it for a better quality of life and she shouldn’t be punished for making a personal health decision with her doctor to stop opioids,” Fried said.
Although medical marijuana has been legalized in Florida, it remains a federal “Schedule 1” narcotic that is placed in the same category as heroin, LSD, and methamphetamines.
The district said it couldn’t allow teachers to use marijuana without risking the possibility of losing federal funding.
“Obviously this is going to be a long fight and a long fight,” said Skipper. “Policies need to change.”
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There are currently bills in Florida lawmakers to keep employees safe, but it doesn’t appear that they will be passed.
While Fried said she was working to get further assistance, the Brevard County Teachers Union has said it is appealing the school board’s decision.
A A fund has been set up to help Enright while she is unemployed.
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