Can a nurse be on a pot card?

Nurses Disabilities

Published

I'm a recently discharged vet and as the logic goes, I have ptsd. I do a good job of keeping it from bothering people, but I've picked up a coping mechanism that I'm too scared to ask anyone face to face about. I find marijuana useful, it helps me to escape some troubling thought processes and relate to peers better. I've considered applying for my card so that I won't have to worry about legal repercussions.

I'd never consider showing up to work on the stuff. But I haven't finished my degree yet and I just don't know where the rest of the profession stands on the issue. Can someone tell me how having a pot card will affect my nursing career? I'd rather know now and find an alternative way to cope than set myself back in a big way after all the work I've put in now.

In California now they just dropped the penalty for a small "personal use" amount of marijuana again. That's fine by me even though I'm not a user of it. ...The point I'm trying to get at is -- let's say marijuana use was decriminalized in all 50 states. Would employers be forced to hire people who test positive for cannabis? Many of them now refuse to hire people who smoke tobacco and yes they do test for it. If a hospital won't hire you, how is legalization going to help you keep your job?

Interesting question and great point, nurse156. I'm sure you are correct and some employers would still discriminate even it was legal. Are these employers now testing for nicotine to determine potential lung damage and resulting insurance liability? Most health conscious cannabis users would probably prefer to ingest it or vaporize it rather than smoke it, if they had a choice, since smoking is an irritant. I don't know though, I could be totally wrong about that preference...:specs: :idea::BDCk:....:smokin: !

I guess if you have a RX like any other anti anxiety med it would be illegal to discriminate against its use, as an employer, if it were being legally used. Who's going to enforce this though or even represent you while it is still considered illegal in general? I bet that would be a fun search. :jester:

Maybe a union would represent you? How would that work in a 'will to work' state? It may not matter at all. Wonder how the OP is doing now? :bow: I hope good.

After all there was prohibition of alcohol at one time. Just look at all the taxes the economy is missing out on, hmmm???:confused::clown: I bet corporate America has lobbyists against marijuana's legalization since it does have benefits similar to some of their anti anxiety meds, etc. That is just a guess. Anybody know? I mean look at how much RX's are advertised?

Wondern, we need more conscious people like you who speak truth. Thanks from the rest of us. :redpinkhe"Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall inherit the earth.":up::o

Thanks, peacetou.:heartbeat:redbeathe That is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me. What an awesome way to start my day. Thank you, friend.:hug::redpinkhe

And thanks Wondern! ...They treated me like a person, a nurse, not a new grad or some inexperienced whatever. I am really hoping that they extend employment to me. I would love it and I would be soo sad if I didnt get the position bc I felt like I fit as soon as I walked through the door. Smiles, polite people...I loved it. I'll let ya know in a few days when I hear back from them how it goes. Whether you pray or meditate just send up a word for me plz. I think Ive found my place to build a solid foundation as a nurse!!

Your welcome, NightNurse876. With your honesty and openess to ask questions, you sound like you would be an asset wherever you work.:yeah:Glad you liked the place. Positive vibes and prayers to you, :nurse:friend. :redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
interesting question and great point, nurse156. i'm sure you are correct and some employers would still discriminate even it was legal. are these employers now testing for nicotine to determine potential lung damage and resulting insurance liability? most health conscious cannabis users would probably prefer to ingest it or vaporize it rather than smoke it, if they had a choice, since smoking is an irritant. i don't know though, i could be totally wrong about that preference...:specs: :idea::bdck:....:smokin: !

that so gets the blue ribbon for creative use of smileys to convey a point!! je l'aime beaucoup! :thankya::thankya::thankya:

i guess if you have a rx like any other anti anxiety med it would be illegal to discriminate against its use, as an employer, if it were being legally used. who's going to enforce this though or even represent you while it is still considered illegal in general? i bet that would be a fun search. :jester:

to be honest, i'm not sure of the legalities of that, but i do know that especially in the case of no union representation, nurses have been terminated for testing positive for benzos and opioids even if they do present a valid prescription. i base that on what i've read about people's experiences here on allnurses.

i have no doubt whatsoever that the ptb in corporate america will fight tooth and nail to prevent marijuana leaving it's prohibition status, and it probably depends on one jurisdiction to another how much freedom the feds allow state and local governments to have. those with deep pockets control the message as well, so the public will hear plenty about abuses and excesses by legitimate medical marijuana distributors and corrupt doctors who get greedy just as they do when they overprescribe narcotics. they won't hear about the thousands of normal testimonials out there and responsible users/prescribers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management; Case Management.

Wondern! Who got the Job!?!...(say what) I got the job!!!...Thanks for all the positive energy you sent my way. After Two weeks of them not knowing which of the four candidates to choose they offered me a position! I'm excited, bc I like this hospital but...they said bc I'm a new grad I have to sign a three year contract...any feedback on that? I mean I dont mind but I dont want to be taken advantage of either bc I'm a new nurse...Regardless, Praises to the Most High!!! Indeed I am truly blessed and never failed : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management; Case Management.

So...did some research. CANADA doesn't drug test...any Canadian Nurses that get randoms/pre-employment shoot me down at will...but I found multiple sources that say they dont bc they feel it infringes on human rights. Also I havent heard or found many stories of hospitals/patients/the profession soing to the dogs more than anywhere else...I'm still researching so when I find more I will post them for everyone's viewing pleasure!! And WHOOHOO!!! I'm a NIGHT NURSE for real!! WHOOOHOOO!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment