Minardi Law Firm – Press Release: Florida Department of Corrections Officer Appeals Termination for Positive Cannabis Test

Samuel Ortiz-Velez was terminated from his job as a corrections officer for testing positive for cannabis during a random drug screening.  Mr. Ortiz-Velez is a Marine veteran who suffers from PTSD as a result of service in Iraq in 2017.  Mr. Ortiz-Velez holds a valid medical marijuana card pursuant to the Florida Constitution to treat the symptoms of his PTSD. Mr. Ortiz-Velez never consumed or possessed the marijuana on the employer’s premises and never attended work under the influence.  Mr. Ortiz-Velez is suing to be re-instated to his position and require the Department of Corrections to accommodate his off-site use pursuant to the Florida Constitution.

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The Appeal has been filed in the First District Court of Appeal,  Samuel Velez-Ortiz vs. Florida Department of Corrections. The case could have statewide implications for the rights of medical marijuana patients in Florida.   “I fought for this country and for freedom for all Americans and suffered as a result.  Instead of helping people like me and doing all they can to reduce the number of veterans a day who commit suicide, they have labeled me unfit to work and taken away my livelihood and ability to support my family.  Just like I did for the country, I have to fight for my rights as a patient to use  the only medication that has helped me cope with my PTSD”.

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