Medical marijuana user’s case against RI firm moves forward

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A lawsuit alleging a Rhode Island textile company discriminated against a graduate student when she was denied a two-month internship because she uses medical marijuana to treat migraine headaches is moving forward.

Providence Superior Court Judge Richard Licht on Tuesday denied a motion to dismiss filed by lawyers for Westerly-based Darlington Fabrics Corp. and its parent firm, Moore Company.        

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Christine Callaghan, says her case is based on strong legal grounds. The ACLU believes it's the first lawsuit of its kind in the state.

The complaint says the University of Rhode Island student negotiated a paid internship with Darlington Fabrics but lost it after disclosing she held a medical marijuana card.        

Callaghan is seeking a jury trial.

(C) The Associated Press 2015