Armed Forces News

Veterans who use cannabis for medical purposes no longer would be barred or fired from federal jobs, under a measure now pending before the House. The bill, H.R. 1687, would:

* Prohibit using positive test results for the marijuana metabolite as the sole factor in denying employment or firing someone from federal civil service or civilian positions at executive-branch agencies, as long as the persons being tested are in compliance with local laws.

* Users would enjoy such protections only in regards to their “past, private use of cannabis,” and would not apply if such use impairs their ability to work a their jobs.

* It would not cover persons who hold or are seeking top-secret clearances.

Reps. Don Young, R-Alaska, and Charlie Crist, D-Fla., sponsored the legislation, which is now pending before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.