OUR VIEW: THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down to the California Supreme Court for further clouding the
issue of medical marijuana. Thursday's ruling allows employers to
fire workers who use cannabis legally under the state's Compassionate
Use Act. In doing so, the high court ignored the state's voters,
deferring instead to the overzealous agents who enforce the flawed
U.S. drug policy.

"No state law could completely legalize marijuana for medical
purposes because the drug remains illegal under federal law," Justice
Kathryn Werdegar wrote for the 5-2 majority.

We're not defending people who work stoned, and state and federal law
already gives employers the right to take swift action where
suspected drug or alcohol use impairs safety or work performance.
That's not the case here, where the employee tested positive for pot
with no allegation of misconduct or impairment. In her dissent,
Justice Joyce Kennard said the ruling "disrespects" California's law.
That's no way to build respect for federal law, assuming such respect
is deserved when it so blatantly contravenes the will of the people.