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U of A Denies Reinstatement Of Medical Marijuana Researcher

The University of Arizona has denied an appeal by a medical marijuana researcher who wants to keep her faculty position. The professor was set to begin testing the drug on veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Sue Sisley received notice in June that U of A was terminating her position. She was a primary researcher on a study of the effects of marijuana on combat vets suffering PTSD.

Sisley said she was let go because of her political views on medical pot. She filed an appeal for reinstatement, but received a letter from the university on Monday stating her appeal is denied. A provost wrote that Sisley is in a non-tenured position and she is not a protected university employee.

A nonprofit organization funding the research is seeking another university that will allow Sisley to continue her work. The group is hopeful she can stay in Arizona. 

Steve Shadley was a reporter at KJZZ from 1990 to 1996 and from 2012 to 2015.