According to a New York Times story, even as 23 states (and the District of Columbia) allow the use of medical or recreational marijuana, many businesses continue to strictly enforce their drug-free policies, creating a cultural schism between a society that increasingly accepts marijuana and companies that will fire employees who use it. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="266"] Brandon Coats[/caption] Brandon Coats, for example, was fired for violating Dish Network’s drug-free workplace rules,…

On Thursday, a Colorado Court of Appeals panel ruled that a quadriplegic medical marijuana patient fired for off-the-job marijuana use had no expectation of job security, creating a disquieting legal situation in the state. [caption id="attachment_6341" align="alignright" width="131"] Brandon Coats[/caption] Despite lacking evidence that he was impaired on the job, the Dish Network fired telephone operator Brandon Coats after he tested positive for marijuana. Coats took his employers to court, arguing…