Utah Firefighter Files Suit Over Cannabis Rights
Ogden UT December 17 2021 An Ogden firefighter/paramedic who was placed on leave after declining to surrender his medical marijuana card has file a lawsuit against the city.
Levi Coleman filed a complaint on Nov. 17, alleging his rights under the state’s Medical Cannabis Act were violated by the city.
Coleman obtained the card on June 23 for back pain, according to a report by KSL.com.
In his complaint, he stated the injury hasn’t prevented him from performing his job functions.
The department implemented a policy on Aug. 4, requiring department members to report any medications that could cause impairment.
Coleman contends he notified his supervisor in late August, and in early September that he had been issued a medical cannabis card.
After he notified the city, they required him to perform a medical evaluation to ensure he was capable to work, the television started reported. Following the evaluation, a physician submitted a report to the department stating Coleman had a “medical condition which would ‘endanger applicant or public.'”
The city contends that Coleman was placed on leave not only for failure to surrender his cannabis card, and due to the doctor’s evaluation findings.
Coleman is seeking to be reinstated by the fire department and have the agency establish a medical cannabis policy, along with financial compensation.
