Ask a Stoner: Will Smoking Weed When I Visit Colorado Get Me Fired?

A man from out of state wants to know if Colorado's haven for smoking pot will protect him if he fails a drug test back home.

By Herbert Fuego

August 15, 2017

Westword

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Dear Stoner: If I get high in Colorado and go back home to a state where it’s illegal, could I get into trouble if I have to do a drug test?
Jim B.
Dear Jim: I hope you’re asking me this before you visit Colorado and not after, Jimbo. The company that laid out its drug policies when you agreed to the job could not care less if weed’s been legalized in a state you’ve visited. When it comes to their employees, many Colorado companies don’t care that weed’s been legalized here — even medically. Private corporations can draft rules banning whatever recreational drugs they want, legal or illegal.

Best Lock Company, a door hardware and lock manufacturer in Indiana, gained attention in the ’90s and ’00s for firing employees for social drinking. Think of Colorado marijuana like free speech: Your use of it is protected from the local government by the state constitution, but that constitution can’t always protect you from a square boss.

Have a question for our Stoner? E-mail [email protected] or call the potline at 303-293-2222.

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