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Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) fired one of its Michigan employees after failing a drug test given by his employer of the last five years, despite medical marijuana being legal in his state of residence and having a prescription.

The employee, Joseph Casias, has a brain tumor and has gotten a medical prescription to use marijuana to help him deal with the chronic pain. Casias claims that he has never come to work under the influence of marijuana, but the store said that its company policies about drug use are strict and even apply in situations where marijuana us being used legally for medical purposes.

Here’s an excerpt from the original WZZM-13 ABC affiliate’s article..

“Last November, Casias sprained his knee at work. Marijuana was detected in his system during the routine drug screening that follows all workplace injuries. Casias showed WalMart managers his state medical marijuana card, but he was fired anyway.

“I was told they do not accept or honor my medical marijuana card,” says Casias.

Wal-Mart spokesman Greg Rossiter emailed WZZM 13 and commented on the company’s policy. “In states, such as Michigan, where prescriptions for marijuana can be obtained, an employer can still enforce a policy that requires termination of employment following a positive drug screen. We believe our policy complies with the law and we support decisions based on the policy,” he said.