Can an LVN student smoke weed if they have their cannabis card?

U.S.A. California

Published

I just got accepted into the LVN program at Mission College in California and I'm apparently getting drug tested next week. I'm an avid marijuana user. I don't use for my "anger problems" or "anxiety/stress"... I use because last August I had weight loss surgery which took out more than 80% of my stomach. I went from 220llbs to 105lbs in less than a year so I took up using to give me an appetite and help me maintain my new weight. Good enough reason for me and the doctor who gave me my legal cannabis card... So I'm wondering if they have grounds to deny me?

My plan was to be honest from the beginning and let the instructors know a few days BEFORE the test but it's still in the back of my head. I've worked hard for this and they only accept 30 students out of hundreds so I am obviously qualified for it. I don't want my hard work to not pay off over a stupid urine test. They won't even find advil in my system, I don't take any other drugs, smoke cigarettes, even drink! (due to my small stomach). I also have a steady job, have a clean record with not one ticket. What do you guys think? and please don't be rude, I won't go to class stoned, drive or work stoned so I wouldn't be a nurse stoned either... Thanks for your time.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Very tricky. In the end if a positive test will ruin it for me I can just wait and apply in the fall. It was worth it to ask though. Thank you! :laugh:

Another thing to consider is that once you get licensed as a nurse, if you fail a drug test you could be reported to the Board of Vocational Nursing for drug use...and unfortunately, the BVNPT does not look kindly upon THC users, even ones with legal pot cards in hand.

Yes, I know this is way down the road...but it is something you should seriously consider.

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Another thing to consider is that once you get licensed as a nurse, if you fail a drug test you could be reported to the Board of Vocational Nursing for drug use...and unfortunately, the BVNPT does not look kindly upon THC users, even ones with legal pot cards in hand.

Yes, I know this is way down the road...but it is something you should seriously consider.

Definitely. Thanks so much. I guess I was given false hope from RN's who are medicinal marijuana smokers and who still keep their jobs even with the hospital knowing. But yes, if it comes down to it I'll have to stop and just go back to drinking high calorie alcoholic beverages once a week to keep up my caloric intake otherwise I'll wither down to nothing. My surgeon said marijuana or the alcoholic beverages were the most common ways for bariatric patients to maintain their weight. Yay me.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Definitely. Thanks so much. I guess I was given false hope from RN's who are medicinal marijuana smokers and who still keep their jobs even with the hospital knowing. But yes, if it comes down to it I'll have to stop and just go back to drinking high calorie alcoholic beverages once a week to keep up my caloric intake otherwise I'll wither down to nothing. My surgeon said marijuana or the alcoholic beverages were the most common ways for bariatric patients to maintain their weight. Yay me.

If the hospital decides to let it slide, that's one thing--the hospital doesn't actually license the RN/LVN. The Board is the one who licenses nurses, and there have been nurses with THC cards who tried to appeal the Board's decision to take away their licenses, and lost the appeal.

I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it's the reality...and better you be aware of it now, than to go through nursing school, get licensed, then have that license revoked after years of hard work.

With the utmost respect to you and your MD, I sincerely doubt that those are the only two ways you can maintain your weight. I would suggest getting a second opinion, for your own health's sake.

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If the hospital decides to let it slide, that's one thing--the hospital doesn't actually license the RN/LVN. The Board is the one who licenses nurses, and there have been nurses with THC cards who tried to appeal the Board's decision to take away their licenses, and lost the appeal.

I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it's the reality...and better you be aware of it now, than to go through nursing school, get licensed, then have that license revoked after years of hard work.

With the utmost respect to you and your MD, I sincerely doubt that those are the only two ways you can maintain your weight. I would suggest getting a second opinion, for your own health's sake.

No, it's not what I wanted to hear. But it is what it is. It's not an issue at all to stop. It just made eating a lot easier for me. No they're not the only ways they're the most common ways for the surgery I have. There really isn't much I can do besides force myself to eat. I have the vertical sleeve so this is will be a forever life struggle type thing.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
No, it's not what I wanted to hear. But it is what it is. It's not an issue at all to stop. It just made eating a lot easier for me. No they're not the only ways they're the most common ways for the surgery I have. There really isn't much I can do besides force myself to eat. I have the vertical sleeve so this is will be a forever life struggle type thing.

Life often is what it is, alas :/

I do wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

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Life often is what it is, alas :/

I do wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

It sure is...

Wow! Thank you! I won't let this little setback ruin my dreams ;)

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Since OP has rec'd some good advice and there really is no way we at AN can answer the question, "can an LVN student smoke weed if they have their cannabis card?", we are closing this thread.

OP, please check with your nursing program, your state BON and/or seek legal counsel if you have questions about your health involving the use of a medically-prescribed substance; as you become educated as a nurse and/or practice as a nurse.

We wish you well.

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