Hawaii’s medical cannabis patients should not be summarily fired or precluded from employment because of their metabolites (“Medical cannabis raises issues in the workplace,” Star-Advertiser, July 8). Drug screening is a medical tool used to diagnose and treat substance-use disorders. It’s been warped in recent decades into a surveillance mechanism that’s far removed from medical practice.

The Altres executive’s views bear little relation to the reality that many who consume cannabis are not debilitated, gouging out their eyes, or in need of woefully scarce drug treatment resources. This kind of untoward animus is dehumanizing and perpetuates harmful stigma.

Hawaii’s medical cannabis patients include service and office workers, teachers, government employees and working seniors. They deserve better than snide executive commentary and the looming threat of termination.

Employment protections have been discussed and recommended by two separate legislative working groups in recent years. Legislators should seek to enact them into law next year.

Nikos A. Leverenz

Board president, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii

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