Coats v. Dish Network, LLC
Colorado Supreme Court
350 P.3d 849 (2015)
- Written by Kelsey Libby, JD
Facts
Between 2007 and 2010, Brandon Coats (plaintiff), a quadriplegic, worked as a customer-service representative for Dish Network, LLC (defendant). In 2009, Coats obtained a lawful state-issued license to use medical marijuana to manage muscle spasms. Coats used marijuana at home during non-working hours. In May 2010, Coats tested positive for marijuana during a drug test required by Dish Network. Coats explained that he had a state-issued medical-marijuana license, but Dish Network terminated his employment for violation of the company’s drug policy. Coats sued Dish Network pursuant to Colorado’s lawful-activities statute, C.R.S. § 24-34-402.5, which generally prohibited an employer from terminating an employee for engaging in lawful activities. The trial court dismissed Coats’s claim, and the court of appeals affirmed, reasoning that marijuana was an illegal substance under federal law. Coats appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Eid, J.)
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