The Maine supreme court says employers don't have to pay for medical marijuana under the state workers' compensation system.
In a 5-2 decision, the court ruled Thursday that federal law takes precedence in a conflict between the federal Controlled Substances Act and the state medical marijuana law.
The case focused on whether a paper mill must pay for medical marijuana for a worker who was hurt on the job.
Gaetan Bourgoin, of Madawaska, won a ruling from the Workers' Compensation Board, and contends marijuana is cheaper and safer than narcotics. His case dates to 1989, when he hurt his back.
But Twin Rivers argued that a "private health insurer" shouldn't be required to cover the cost of medical marijuana, and that doing so put the insurer in violation of federal law.