Utica Firefighters Sue City Over Marijuana Suspensions
Two firefighters filed lawsuits in September 2026 after being suspended for positive drug tests while using medical cannabis.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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In September 2026, two Utica firefighters filed lawsuits against the city following their 60-day unpaid suspensions for marijuana use. The firefighters argue that they held valid medical certifications and were not impaired while on duty.
Why it matters
The legal dispute pits municipal collective bargaining agreements against state protections for medical cannabis users. This case examines the intersection of labor law and the legal status of medical marijuana in workplace environments.
The two firefighters were suspended for 60 days following positive marijuana tests in July 2026. Their respective employment with the department began in 2007 and 2011.
The players
Ryan Quinn
He is a Utica firefighter who began his employment with the department in 2007.
Marc Manno
He is a Utica firefighter who began his employment with the department in 2011.
City of Utica
This is the municipal government currently defending the disciplinary actions taken against its fire department personnel.
The details
Ryan Quinn and Marc Manno allege their suspensions violate various New York state cannabis, labor, and executive laws. The City of Utica contends the disciplinary actions are justified by existing terms within the collective bargaining agreement.
Timeline
January 2026: Quinn suffered a shoulder injury.
July 2026: The firefighters tested positive for marijuana and Manno was suspended.
August 6, 2026: Quinn was suspended without pay.
September 2026: The lawsuits were filed in the New York State Supreme Court.
Health Landscape
This case tests the limits of New York State's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act regarding workplace substance use policies. It marks a direct legal challenge to how municipal employers interpret state cannabis laws versus internal labor contracts.
The case highlights the potential for conflicting mandates between medical cannabis recommendations and employment requirements. Residents and public employees should monitor this outcome as it may influence future workplace drug testing standards across the region.
The takeaway
This litigation highlights the ongoing tension between medical marijuana legalization and long-standing municipal labor agreements. Affected employees should verify their specific workplace policies regarding medical cannabis to understand their potential exposure to disciplinary action.
Further reading
For additional context on cannabis-related policies, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CNYhomepage.
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