Man files discrimination lawsuit after being rejected from job over medical marijuana use

A Connecticut man has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the city of Bridgeport after he was rejected from a firefighter job for his medical marijuana use.

James Bulerin III claims he was rejected after testing positive for marijuana to treat an undisclosed medical condition, according to the Connecticut Post.

The lawsuit says that Bulerin passed all the eligibility requirements to become a firefighter, according to the paper.

The Connecticut Post obtained a letter to Bulerin from City Personnel Director David Dunn rescinding his conditional employment offer after testing positive for marijuana. 

{mosads}”This is to advise you that you tested positive for marijuana and this conditional offer is being rescinded effective immediately,” the letter reads. “You will not be moving forward in this process and your name has been removed from the eligibility list.”

Bulerin has a medical marijuana card and has been using the substance for six months, according to the lawsuit. The state of Connecticut has had legal medical pot since 2012.

Thomas Bucci, Bulerin’s lawyer, told the Connecticut Post that his client’s condition would not affect his ability to serve as a firefighter, and says he cannot be denied an employment opportunity “as long as he is not using the drug during working hours.”

“The city has disqualified him from being a firefighter which is a clear violation of the state law,” Bucci said.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for later this month.