Vermont Man Loses Job Over Off-The-Clock Cannabis Use

Can people still lose their jobs for smoking cannabis in a legal state? Well, in the case of this Vermont man, yes!

So, here's the scoop: Ivo Skoric, a Vermont dude, was shown the door by Marble Valley Regional Transit after a random drug test revealed he had some cannabis in his system. But here's the kicker—he was using medical marijuana, prescribed for chronic pain, and he only toked up off the clock. Despite Vermont giving a thumbs up to medical cannabis, the Federal Transit Administration isn’t as chill about it. When Skoric applied for unemployment benefits, they gave him the ol’ “Nope!” claiming his cannabis use was misconduct. The Vermont Supreme Court, instead of taking a good look at whether it’s fair to boot someone for legal, off-the-job use, just nodded along with the denial.

Ah, Vermont—land of maple syrup, Bernie Sanders, and apparently, a legal gray area big enough to get a transit worker stuck in it. Poor Ivo Skoric finds himself in a sticky situation, and not the good kind that involves maple syrup. Despite using medical marijuana legally to soothe his aches and pains, he's lost his job, and the state’s Supreme Court just gave him a big ol' "tough luck" on getting unemployment benefits.

Here’s the thing—Vermont loves its green stuff, whether it’s the rolling hills or the rolling joints, but apparently, not when it involves federal transportation rules. So, Skoric's situation is like being stuck between a Ben & Jerry's pint and a hard place. It’s a classic case of Vermont saying “Sure, light up!” and Uncle Sam saying, “Not on my watch!”

This case is crying out for some common sense. If you’re a legal patient using cannabis to keep your body in check and your pain in the rearview mirror, you shouldn't have to worry about losing your job or your benefits. Vermont might be ahead of the curve on cannabis, but until the feds catch up, workers like Skoric are left in the lurch. Maybe it’s time for the law to chill out and align with the times—because right now, it’s as tangled as a ball of yarn after a tussle with a hyperactive cat.

So, let’s hope Vermont—and the rest of the country—can figure out a way to protect folks who are just trying to get by without a pile of pain, or worse, unemployment. After all, we’re all just trying to enjoy our lives, whether it’s with a little maple syrup, a good book, or a joint on a Saturday evening.

Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Vermont

As of 2024, cannabis is fully legalized in Vermont for both medical and recreational use. 

For recreational use, adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis or its equivalent in other forms, such as edibles and concentrates. Individuals can also cultivate up to six cannabis plants, with no more than two being mature at any given time. Recreational cannabis sales were legalized in 2020, and retail sales officially began in October 2022.

For medical use, Vermont allows patients with qualifying conditions to possess up to two ounces of cannabis. Medical marijuana patients are permitted to cultivate up to nine plants, with only two being mature at the same time.

Cannabis consumption is restricted to private property and is not allowed in public spaces or vehicles. Moreover, penalties still exist for exceeding the legal possession or cultivation limits, selling to minors, or consuming cannabis while driving.

Here are 10 fun facts about Vermont:

First State to Abolish Slavery: Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery in its constitution, doing so in 1777. This was a significant milestone in American history, making Vermont a pioneer in the fight for freedom and equality.

Smallest State Capital: Montpelier, Vermont's capital, is the smallest state capital in the United States by population, with just over 7,000 residents. Despite its small size, Montpelier has a rich cultural scene and is known for its historic architecture.

No Billboards: Vermont is one of only four states in the U.S. that has banned billboards. The ban, enacted in 1968, helps preserve the state's scenic beauty by preventing the visual clutter often associated with advertising signs along highways.

Highest Ratio of Breweries per Capita: Vermont has one of the highest ratios of breweries per capita in the United States. The state is famous for its craft beer scene, with popular breweries like The Alchemist, Lawson's Finest Liquids, and Hill Farmstead Brewery attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world.

Maple Syrup Leader: Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States. The state produces more than 2 million gallons of maple syrup each year, accounting for over 40% of the country's total production.

Home of Ben & Jerry's: The iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s was founded in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978. The company’s factory in Waterbury is a popular tourist attraction, offering factory tours, ice cream samples, and a visit to the whimsical “Flavor Graveyard.”

Most Covered Bridges Per Square Mile: Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state in the U.S. These historic structures are a significant part of Vermont’s cultural heritage, with over 100 covered bridges still standing across the state.

Lake Champlain's "Champ": Lake Champlain, which borders Vermont, is said to be home to a legendary sea monster known as "Champ." Similar to the Loch Ness Monster, sightings of Champ have been reported since the early 19th century, making it a popular local legend.

Vermont State Fair: The Vermont State Fair, held annually in Rutland, is one of the oldest fairs in the country. It was first held in 1846 and continues to be a significant event, featuring agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and traditional fair activities.

Biking and Hiking Paradise: Vermont is renowned for its extensive network of biking and hiking trails. The state is home to the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, and a part of the Appalachian Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the Green Mountains and are popular with outdoor enthusiasts.