Don't Bogart that joint, Arnold!
According to patient rights advocates, Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto of AB 2279 - a bill to protect job rights for California’s medical cannabis patients- is a setback for fairness and non-discrimination.
However, Americans for Safe Access (backers of AB 2279) have vowed to continue to go on and fight the battle in the courts, if necessary.
AB 2279 would have stopped workplace discrimination against hundreds of thousands of patients who are legally-entitled by California State Law to use Medical Marijuana.
AB 2279 was proposed as a solution for a "right to work" which was compromised by a California Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
The Governor’s veto means that California employers can fire workers who use marijuana for medicinal purposes - which is permitted under State law – even if the individual uses medical cannabis in the privacy of their own home.
According to Don Duncan, a representative at ASA, the Governor has misstepped.
"The veto represents a failure of common sense for California’s embattled Governor."
ASA has been heartened by the number of people who helped fight for patients’ rights during the campaign for AB 2279.
Staffers have noted the battle isn't over yet.
"It is important that Governor Schwarzenegger and his staff understand that Californians strongly disagree with this decision. This is not the last time the Governor will be asked to sign legislation to protect patients’ rights."
Consequently, ASA is asking supporters to call Governor Schwarzenegger office in Sacramento and inform him they are not in accord with his decision.
Governor's Office: (916) 445-2841
In the alternative, ASA staff are requesting that California residents write to the Governor personally, and urge that he reconsider his position.
ASA has drafted the following letter as a guideline for supporters to follow.
"I am a medical cannabis patient/supporter who is very disappointed in your decision to veto AB 2279, a bill that would have stopped workplace discrimination against legal medical cannabis patients. This veto leaves hundreds of thousands of law abiding Californians in jeopardy. I expect the Governor to work with lawmakers to protect legal medical cannabis patients from discrimination next year."
An Edmund Burke quote is applicable here.
"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
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