LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Louisville’s firefighter’s union is challenging the city in a lawsuit was filed over members’ use of medical cannabis.
The suit stems from a January 2 email, provided to WAVE, from Fire Chief Brian O’Neill in which he writes:
“After consulting with the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and reviewing the policies of other agencies, Louisville Fire’s policy related to the use of marijuana will remain unchanged. This means that the Louisville Fire Department will continue to prohibit the use, possession, consumption, or sale of marijuana by employees.”
The suit, filed on January 15, is asking the court to issue a stay on their enforcement of the policy until the grievance process can play out. Union leaders claim their collective bargaining agreement protects members’ right to use medical cannabis off-duty.
“We’re talking about medical cannabis. Those products are formulated in a way to deal with whatever your ailment may be‚” IAFF Local #54 President Jeff Taylor said. “We’re not talking about rolling joints and smoking them in the back lot.”
A day earlier before the Chief sent that email, Kentucky’s Medicinal Cannabis Act went into effect, making it legal for people in Kentucky to utilize medical cannabis.
In a Dec. 7, 2024, letter to Chief O’Neill, the Union outlined its case for the use of medical cannabis and how the language of its contract with the department protects members from disciplinary action.
“Article 30, Section 13 states that: ‘This Policy does not supersede or waive any rights that the Member may be entitled to under the Federal or State constitutions or laws, ‘” Taylor wrote in the letter.
The union has 475 members. Taylor believes more than half have already obtained a medical cannabis card.
Officials with the Louisville Fire Department referred WAVE to The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office. A spokesperson for the office said via email, “The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office generally does not discuss pending litigation and will respond via the Court.”
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The suit, filed on January 15, is asking the court to issue a stay on their enforcement of the policy until the grievance process can play out. Read More
