Connecticut Man Fired for Medical Marijuana Use Wins Appeal

A state employee, Gregory Linhoff, was fired for his medical marijuana use. Linhoff held the position of maintenance worker – a position held for 15 years. The employee was fired because he used marijuana on the job in a state-owned vehicle on a university campus.

According to reports by Reuters, Linhoff will be suspended for 6 months without pay. Following this, he will be randomly drug tested for one year. The vote to reinstate an arbitrator’s ruling was unanimous, 7 – 0. This case has been ongoing since 2012. In 2014, a lower court restored the initial decision to allow the termination of Linhoff. The appeal reinstates Linhoff, but not without serious consequences.

Chief Justice Chase Rogers said, “By the arbitrator’s estimation, the grievant’s personal qualities and overall record indicate that he is a good candidate for a second chance. Moreover, the discipline the arbitrator imposed was appropriately severe, and sends a message to others who might consider committing similar misconduct that painful consequences will result.”

Attorney General spokesperson Jaclyn Falkowski said, “We are reviewing the decision in consultation with our client agency.”

Linhoff’s attorney, Barbara Collins said, “A loss would have made every labor arbitration decision involving a discipline vulnerable to attack.”

The reason given for his marijuana use was a medical scare and marital distress, which caused anxiety. Linhoff plans on fighting for full reinstatement of his job. He, as reported by his superiors, was a good worker and had no disciplinary record.