Super Bummed :(

[brylecc1989]

Although none of you know me personally, I need to vent about this. Thanks in advance for reading my whining. Please reserve any judgemental comments unless presented in a nice constructive way! Well i have been working at my company for about 10 months now, have maintained perfect attendance, been complimented multiple times on my work ethic and ability to learn the job by management, and at 22 years old run a whole department by myself. I work in a cardboard box factory running the ink department. Well yesterday, i got sprang with a random drugtest, and since i partake in the occasional weed, i will be fired at the end of the week. This is extremely frustrating. I feel that by failing that test, all i have done is prove that one can do a good job at work while smoking a little pot in their free time. For all they konw I could have smoke 30-45 days ago since this is how long it takes for THC to leave the system. I feel that society in general treats drug users, especially not "hard" ones, way too harshly. Whereas if i wanted to sit and drink alcohol everyday i'd be able to keep my job. Now i know that smoking is a choice i made, but it just really discourages me that i will lose my job for the choices i make in my free time when i've worked really hard to do a great job for my company. Im sure some of you will feel for me, and some will think i got what i deserved, and i respect all your opinions but i just couldnt hold this in anymore. The real kicker is that i don't live with my parents, and have bills rent and the like to pay. Im pretty much freaking out and dont know wat to do! Maybe ill just take all my snakes to a cabin in the woods, burn my ss card, and do up life nature style! Just kidding, but im running out of options. Thanks for reading. Just had to get it out.

[stephanbakir]

There is a difference between a drug user, and a drug abuser. Nuf said.

[brylecc1989]

Exactly. If i messed up, and drove a forklift into a wall or somethin, yeah test and fire me. But to just randomly drugtest and eventually fire an above average employee? What do they gain by doing that?

[stephanbakir]

Public image. By setting an example of you they hope to avoid future problems.

[brylecc1989]

Yeah i can see that. Is it a grass is greener thing in the states or are Canada's marijuana laws way less severe?

[Jay]

That bites man. IMO I think you should have been charged with a fine, not fired. It's not like you were smoking while on company time. Write them a letter summing up what you just posted (minus living off nature w/ your snakes) They may think you're crazy. Try it what do you have to loose?

[stephanbakir]

Yeah i can see that. Is it a grass is greener thing in the states or are Canada's marijuana laws way less severe?
I might be a bit biased living in Quebec lol. It's not uncommon for a cop to catch you with drugs, confiscate them and not even take your name down here... Lots of the cops are crooked in my area. :no:
I personally only did drugs for about 2 weeks, saw a friend OD and stopped completely, but I still have tons of friends that do it in my presence and that doesn't bother me at all!

[vendettaseve]

You could always tell them you attended a Native American cultural ceremony and are a simple victim of Second Hand exposure. lol.

Serious note tho. When your in a management position, you should know better than to be doing that kind of stuff.. even if it is on your own time. I have nothing against the responsible use of Drugs/alcohol. Especially ones with such mild effects as weed, but these things do happen. Don't like it? Move to Holland.



And yes, Canadian Pot laws are far far less strict than in the US, Cops in the US act like your waving a gun around or selling Meth to children when they catch you with a bit of pot... In Canada, the cop usualy just takes it and doesn't even get your info.

[brylecc1989]

Sorry bout your friend stephan. What was he using if you don't mind me asking? Its impossible to OD on bud. And to vendetta, i completely understand where you are coming from. But im not a manager, i am the only one in my department. I am responsible for no one elses well being or job duties. Not discounting your opinion, just making the facts clear. Jay-Rather than write a letter, i will wait until i am called into the office and verbally state my case and opinions. I feel that a letter is too easily pushed aside. I will explain it to them just like i did to all of you. But like stephan said, its an image thing. What is also frustrating is i just passed a drug test less than a year ago when i gotthe job, so why test again? Oh well, maybe i can make this into an opportunity. It would be wonderful to be able to interact with animals in some way everyday and have it be called work. Ill most liekly try to find a job like that. It also bites that here in good old New York, I will be denied unemployment because of the reason I was terminated. Im F***ed!:mad:

[totheend]

Although none of you know me personally, I need to vent about this. Thanks in advance for reading my whining. Please reserve any judgemental comments unless presented in a nice constructive way! Well i have been working at my company for about 10 months now, have maintained perfect attendance, been complimented multiple times on my work ethic and ability to learn the job by management, and at 22 years old run a whole department by myself. I work in a cardboard box factory running the ink department. Well yesterday, i got sprang with a random drugtest, and since i partake in the occasional weed, i will be fired at the end of the week. This is extremely frustrating. I feel that by failing that test, all i have done is prove that one can do a good job at work while smoking a little pot in their free time. For all they konw I could have smoke 30-45 days ago since this is how long it takes for THC to leave the system. I feel that society in general treats drug users, especially not "hard" ones, way too harshly. Whereas if i wanted to sit and drink alcohol everyday i'd be able to keep my job. Now i know that smoking is a choice i made, but it just really discourages me that i will lose my job for the choices i make in my free time when i've worked really hard to do a great job for my company. Im sure some of you will feel for me, and some will think i got what i deserved, and i respect all your opinions but i just couldnt hold this in anymore. The real kicker is that i don't live with my parents, and have bills rent and the like to pay. Im pretty much freaking out and dont know wat to do! Maybe ill just take all my snakes to a cabin in the woods, burn my ss card, and do up life nature style! Just kidding, but im running out of options. Thanks for reading. Just had to get it out.


What does that matter? You have worked there for 10 months....so obviously you worked there 35-40 days ago.

If it is your company's policy to fire those who do not pass the drug test and you knew that then really?......

I don't know of any employers in Canada that test for drugs except for transport operators.

[TeaNinja]

no offense, but it's kind of to be expected. i smoke a decent amount, but i get jobs that don't drug test. i know that if a random drug test comes up i will get fired and you probably should have taken that into account. it sucks that it was random and uncalled for but people get tested all the time for no reason in jobs.

i'm a habitual user and i've never been repremended in my life for smoking SPECIFICALLY because i understand tests happen and i seek out jobs that don't.

that being said, i'm sorry and that sucks.

[totheend]

Is it common for employers in the US to do drug tests on their employees??

[shaunyboy]

not having a go but its 30 days for thc to leave your system mate

i have no problems with weed smokers

when was the last time someone got stoned and beat their wife or acted anti socially.well apart from eating all the chocolate in the house maybe:yes:

an old friend of mine has ms and the only thing that gives him relief and an appetite is weed

re your work
i have to agree since those tests cannot tell how long ago you partook in a puff then your job should not be on the line

that said you must have known the company performed random drug tests when you started there

can i ask one thing that being if you were impaired at your work would it put you or any others at physical risk ?

if not i cannot see a problem

put it this way i would rather have a weed smoking workmate or next door nieghbour than someone who drinks

sorry to hear of your predicament mate

cheers shaun

[shaunyboy]

Is it common for employers in the US to do drug tests on their employees??

don't know about the usa but its fairly common over here in the uk

cheers shaun

[brylecc1989]

In the US it is extremely common, going as far as even walmarts and supermarkets drug test. Which leads me to my response to those that said it should have been expected. I am yet to find a decent job that doesnt test. I would much rather have the peace of mind of a job that doesnt, but they are few and far between if yuo want to make a decent living. Shaun- Even if i smoked on the job, which i DO NOT, i put no one at risk. Like is said in my original post, i knew some of you would react this way, and i dont feel that you are "wrong." The company has a right to do whatever they want. It just grinds my gears becasue i do not deserve to be terminated, pot smoker or not. I can be real, i smoke just about everyday, but not before work. And it does not effect my ability to do my job duties. Again, no ones opinion is wrong, i think it is societies stigma against marijuana in general that is wrong. Marijuana was illegalized because hemp farmed by mexicans was threatening the white man ran lumber business in the 30s. Thus began the slabnder campaign of weed makes black men rape white woman, reefer madness etc. I feel like im being prosecuted solely because some rich dead white men could get richer almost 100 years ago. Urghh DAM THE MAN. I appreciate all your inputs and sympathies.

[SpOoKy]

I am pretty sure it is illegal for employers to drug test in Canada with the exception of possibly truck drivers and workers in the Alberta Oil fields.

Crappy situation buddy, sorry to hear that.

[zamaya]

im sorry to hear that :C
it should be legal since people can drink and smoke which is a lot worse for people

[brylecc1989]

America is just backwards. How could something be deemed a beneficial medicine that treats over 100 ailments in one state, but in another be deemed a dangerous and illicit drug? Doesn't make much sense..

[TeaNinja]

makes a lot of sense. until the government is getting a piece of that tax dough, it's not legal. if it DOES legalize, the people who illegaly grow and sell will get even more savage penalties and everyone who has a card will "have" to buy from sanctioned government clubs that keep tax money on it for themselves.

weed clubs already add chunky tax to things.
i don't have a card, but a few of my friends do. one of them broke his neck when he was a kid and has a plate fused in, he's a character. he lucked out SUPER hard and isn't crippled at all. it stunted his growth a bit and when storms come in the fusion hurts because of the electricity in the air. he's been on disability since he was 16 and now i believe he's 27.

[forza_inter]

if i were you i would deny it....tell them you hang around people that smoke and its in your system due to 2nd hand smoke.....

[brylecc1989]

Yeah ninja you're definitely right. I've know for a ong time that most drug laws are moeny making schemes. I believe cali went from one of the poorest states to the richest since legalizing medical. If it was nationally legalized it would be taxed to hell, and probably altered to be more addictive like cigarettes. As far as denying it, that will just lead to a follow up test which id fail again. I am overwiegt, have one kidney (so i expel toxins slower), and my body is saturated with THC lol. Last time i quit, it was after about 7 years of almost daily consumption, no exaggeration it took me 90 days to detox rather than the average 30-45. I took weekly drug tests and failed at 84 days but passed at 91. All i can do now is ride this Fed up wave they call life!!! Thanks again for all your inputs, and if you know any 420-friendly people hiring, you know who to tell. :)

[TeaNinja]

i got a job delivering pizzas and italian food for a local restaraunt that has a few different locations. i make pretty good tips and they don't test. most customer service jobs don't test, which is what i've done my entire life. my first job was taco bell and i've worked at 3 or 4 better restaraunts since then as well as catering and abunch of other stuff. also i've had a lot of cashier/register type jobs. i definetly like the job i have right now the best though.

obviously no job will be 4-20 friendly, but you can target stuff that you know won't drug test.

[stephanbakir]

My friend was an idiot and would take whatever was handed to him, loved to mix pills and alcohol etc... The farthest I ever got was weed and shrooms.

[brylecc1989]

Tea-No offense to you AT ALL, but i feel that it would be next to impossible to support my household delivering and cashiering.

Stephan- Yea people like that often are just self destructive and use something "cool" and accepted like drugs to hurt themselves. It's a shame you had to know someone like that. How'd you like shrooms?

[stephanbakir]

The effects were interesting to say the least. I enjoyed them.

[TeaNinja]

you can make damn good tips delivering stuff, but i understand what you're saying. i just have to support myself.

[vendettaseve]

obviously no job will be 4-20 friendly, but you can target stuff that you know won't drug test.

Win the Pot job lottery and work at a Head shop.

[stephanbakir]

Not exactly the best living environment:P

[Lankyrob]

I worked for yeats in Human Resources and was responsible for drug testing of many employees and also firing plenty of them as well.

Irrespective of whether you smoke on the job or dirnk on the job or speed in your company vehicle you are breaking the law by what you are doing and this reflects on the company and their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

Think of it this way - you work in a "safe" environment where being under the influence endangers noone so they let you off. Next week a fork lift driver kills someone whilst under the influence and they then have major issues as they have already let off someone working whilst having drugs intheir bloodstream. This is why majority of companies have a zero tolerance policy - they have to treat ALL workers by the same rules.

End of the day we all take calculated risks in life - sometimes we get away with it sometimes we dont, but when you tkae that risk knowing what the consequences are should you be caught out you just have to man up and accept those consequences.

[brylecc1989]

I agree Rob. I knew the risk i was taking. And will handle what comes. Just will be hard for a while.

[shaunyboy]

In the US it is extremely common, going as far as even walmarts and supermarkets drug test. Which leads me to my response to those that said it should have been expected. I am yet to find a decent job that doesnt test. I would much rather have the peace of mind of a job that doesnt, but they are few and far between if yuo want to make a decent living. Shaun- Even if i smoked on the job, which i DO NOT, i put no one at risk. Like is said in my original post, i knew some of you would react this way, and i dont feel that you are "wrong." The company has a right to do whatever they want. It just grinds my gears becasue i do not deserve to be terminated, pot smoker or not. I can be real, i smoke just about everyday, but not before work. And it does not effect my ability to do my job duties. Again, no ones opinion is wrong, i think it is societies stigma against marijuana in general that is wrong. Marijuana was illegalized because hemp farmed by mexicans was threatening the white man ran lumber business in the 30s. Thus began the slabnder campaign of weed makes black men rape white woman, reefer madness etc. I feel like im being prosecuted solely because some rich dead white men could get richer almost 100 years ago. Urghh DAM THE MAN. I appreciate all your inputs and sympathies.


my apology's if i came across as accusing you of smoking at work that was NOT my intention

i was merely curious as to if anyone could have been deemed in physical danger by your employer

as said in my post i have no issues with weed smokers mate

i recently had a similar conversation with a friend who works heavy plant machinery.he got sacked for refusing to take a drug test.

his reason was i have done nothing wrong had no accidents so why should i be tested.

like you he agree's if he had caused a problem at work or damaged a machine then a drug test would be fair.

since he had not he protested at being considered for a test

cvheers shaun

[totheend]

I think that you should all move to Canada :D

[brylecc1989]

No worries Shaun. I didn't feel attacked by you in any way, and i apologize if i came off defensively.

[Dehlida]

Here in Colorado, you are legally allowed to smoke weed as long as you have a MMJ card, which is extremely easy to get. Not only that, but small amounts of weed on your person is legal for personal reasons.

The sad part however, is businesses answer on a federal level- in which MJ is 100% illegal on any level and is a teir 1 drug.The laws right now are extremely fuzzy and to be frank- stupid. We are in a stage in this country where MJ is becoming more accepted, we are working towards it becoming a legal substance, but right now if you feel the need to smoke- it's a risk you take.

I had a friend get fired over the fact he had weed come up on his drug test. He was a recovering cancer patient who had is liscene to smoke for medical purposes. Weed does an amazing job with cancer patients, and is proven to counteract the side effects of chemo. However the company said "federally it's illegal, you're fired". It's sad that someone has to choose between unbearable pain and suffering or paying the rent. It goes to show where most of this sad countries loyalites are- in the trash.

[brylecc1989]

My mom's best friend's sister was a cancer patient. Sadly shes passed on, but when she was fighting, chemo was kicking her butt. Then her brother, who smoked, told her to try marijuana. The turn around was unbelievable. Within a week she regained her color, energy, and appetite. She lived in New York and had kids and everything, and still found it worth the risk because it made her feel SO MUCH BETTER. Just an anecdote i thought relative.

[Aaran]

Here in Miami if the cops bust 600 dudes in a day with pot that's not alot

[shaunyboy]

if you get caught with even a small amount of personal weed over here you get charged and instantly have a criminal record

i know people who have never broken any other law their whole lives branded as criminals for smoking a joint

this makes it hard to get a job

yet you can go out get drunk and completely out of control and nothing happens,your still a law abbiding citizen

my mates father uses it for his multipule sclerosis got caught with a small amount and is now deemed a criminal.this man was a bank manager all his working life,he also did a lot of charity work.he can no longer do much charity stuff due to now having a criminal record

its not right imo

to the op
no worries mate re you being defensive

cheers shaun

[Lankyrob]

I would happily smoke a little pot to ease the daily pain that i have but until it is legal it just isnt worth the risk.

[Will0W783]

I'm so sorry for your troubles, Brylecc1989. Will you be able to collect unemployment at least?

[brylecc1989]

Thanks willow. No, that is my issue. If i could collect, id only take a 50 dollar a week pay cut. However, in lovely freakin new york, getting fired for this reason bars you from unemployment eligibility. My only chance is to plead with my company to file it unders omething else so i can collect. So fat though i have worked today and yesterday and they have not brought it up. Im not sure how long it takes the test to come back tho. MAN! waiting is like, the hardest part.

[Lankyrob]

We have similar rules over here - shoudl you leave employment for your own fault (resignation or dismissal) then you can claim no benefits for 26 weeks. It stops people who have run out of unemployment payments (they only pay for 2 years) taking a job for a day and then leaving to restart their payments again.

[Dehlida]

While I don't believe it was right for them to fire you- nor do I believe the laws are legit right now or make any sense at all. I don't believe you should file unemployment unless you had a serious medical condition stating you had a reason to need the THC.

You where doing something for PLEASURE on your own time, you knew the risks. Your health was not in danger because of not ingesting THC. It is in the end YOUR fault for what happened. Suck it up, get another job, and realize if you want to engage in such things- it comes with potential consequences. Don't take my tax dollars because you wanted to have some fun and lost your job over it, that isn't fair to those who actually deserve unemployment.

[brylecc1989]

And what about the literally thousands of dollars in taxes ive paid since i worked here? And also, are you implying that since i smoke pot, i don't deserve to be helped when i am in need? Help to pay my bills, eat, pay rent. I dont deserve that? No that is just purely ignorant. I pay taxes like everyone else, regardless if i smoke or not. And i deserve the same benefits as others, regardless of my personal choices.

[KrazyKat]

I had a friend get fired over the fact he had weed come up on his drug test. He was a recovering cancer patient who had is liscene to smoke for medical purposes. Weed does an amazing job with cancer patients, and is proven to counteract the side effects of chemo. However the company said "federally it's illegal, you're fired". It's sad that someone has to choose between unbearable pain and suffering or paying the rent. It goes to show where most of this sad countries loyalites are- in the trash.

WOW! That is beyond senseless!!:eek: I am very sorry for your friend, that's SO unfair...very messed up.:no:

[KrazyKat]

brylecc1989, I am very sorry for your situation:( And I really don't get why the U.S. government is so hard on the matter - I agree with Shaun, alcohol adiction is MUCH more debilitating, not to mention extreemely dangerous if under the influence while trying to do almost ANYTHING work related, not to mention how 'unpleasant' it can be to be to be around some of them. A "pot head" I could see being a problem, but even then, they should measure for the amount of THC, not just presence in any amount considering it stays in the system so long. IMO, it just doesn't make sense.

[Dehlida]

And what about the literally thousands of dollars in taxes ive paid since i worked here? And also, are you implying that since i smoke pot, i don't deserve to be helped when i am in need? Help to pay my bills, eat, pay rent. I dont deserve that? No that is just purely ignorant. I pay taxes like everyone else, regardless if i smoke or not. And i deserve the same benefits as others, regardless of my personal choices.
You paid them for your roads, your public schools, things of this nature. I'm implying that you KNEW the risk, no one forced you to smoke, you did it as a HOBBY. It didn't have to happen, you made a choice and with that took on the responsibility of your actions.

You don't deserve the same benefits. If you choose to break the law, for pleasure, deliberately - you are forfeiting the right to unemployment. You made your bed and now don't like the fact you have to lie in it. Man up and handle your business.

[Nos]

Thats BS. Rant all you want, as a ganja users myself i have been a contractor since i was 16 and now I am 22 as well. i work for a private contractor and have perfect attendance for over 14 months now. It motivates me, and for the first 8 months i worked with my boss i kept it a secret because i was afraid he would judge me, once i mentioned it to him he told me at 36 he owns his own company and he uses it just as i do. Im his only employee and he now wants to hire some other employees so i can run my own crew. my friend is a big drinker and wants a job but because of how much he drinks he is very unreliable, yet its not illegal to drink. %100 percent agree with you man, societies messed up. people just need to be educated.
i get into debates on this topic yet everyone will always look back at there past experiences and then judge. I've had so many bad times drinking yet i wont tell anyone its wrong.

[whoaxmary]

I have three points on this thread so far:

1. I can't believe Wayne's letting this thread stay up?
2. I can't believe so many people on here admit to be regular or occasional smokers - might as well share that I self medicate as well.
3.It's really unfortunate that it seems these days the majority of smokers are serious people, who live full lives and great careers, and are not drug abusers in anyway - yet they get same in the same category as abusers.

[Lankyrob]

Why would wayne stop it? Noone has been abusive, just a fair exchange of views.

[whoaxmary]

Just thought talk like this would be a nono cuz of our young readers - thought it was in the rules with along with no politics and such - but after reviewing I see it's not.
But this is coming from the girl that thought if people on here knew I toked I'd be looked down upon. :P

[Dehlida]

Thats BS. Rant all you want, as a ganja users myself i have been a contractor since i was 16 and now I am 22 as well. i work for a private contractor and have perfect attendance for over 14 months now. It motivates me, and for the first 8 months i worked with my boss i kept it a secret because i was afraid he would judge me, once i mentioned it to him he told me at 36 he owns his own company and he uses it just as i do. Im his only employee and he now wants to hire some other employees so i can run my own crew. my friend is a big drinker and wants a job but because of how much he drinks he is very unreliable, yet its not illegal to drink. %100 percent agree with you man, societies messed up. people just need to be educated.
i get into debates on this topic yet everyone will always look back at there past experiences and then judge. I've had so many bad times drinking yet i wont tell anyone its wrong.

Your job depended on it- and you where careful until you found out you weren't in danger of losing your job over it. You KNEW it was illegal and could potentially get you fired.

I don't get it. You know its illegal, can get you fired, and come with all sorts of consequences. You KNOW what you are doing is socially unacceptable and could get you in trouble. This is the risk you are taking. It's like going to grab a piece of cake, knowing it was baked with nails. You take a bite and get mad at the baker when your mouth is bleeding. He responds "You knew it had nails, you risked it, and you got stabbed" this is part of life.

If you can't deal with the consequences - DON'T SMOKE. Period. I had to do the same thing when I was looking for work. I had to quit smoking alltogether so I could pass drug tests and provide for myself. I'm still alive, I'm not missing out, I made the choice and I didn't get fired over it. Stop asking for free handouts and the world to conform.

[TeaNinja]

lolz, you quoted nos and he's not even the OP and still has a job.

[Dehlida]

lolz, you quoted nos and he's not even the OP.
I'm aware of this, however I'm speaking to both Nos and the OP, trying to get a general point across and speaking in general terms.

[Nos]

well everyones going to have there opinions and there no way of convincing them. but i do recall a prohibition when drinking was illegal and it didn't stop people. it will most likely never be legal here but it is in other country's and therefore to say it is wrong to do because it is illegal is a weak argument.

[totheend]

well everyones going to have there opinions and there no way of convincing them. but i do recall a prohibition when drinking was illegal and it didn't stop people. it will most likely never be legal here but it is in other country's and therefore to say it is wrong to do because it is illegal is a weak argument.

And during the prohibition it was illegal to drink so if someone got caught drinking they had to pay the price....just like if you know smoking weed is illegal and your job does random tests for it then pay the consequences. And really I can't even comment on your last sentence......