Delta 8 THC now federally legal, what does this mean for nurses?

With burnout, stress, and fatigue wreaking havoc on all Healthcare providers, especially nurses, when will we be able to consume products that are legal for the general public but could destroy a nurse's entire career simply because of random urine drug testing? Just because you might fail a urine drug test for THC does not indicate that you were under the influence at work. You could have just been enjoying a decompressing weekend and then get hit with a random drug test 5 days afterwards and be facing a license revocation because of what you do in your off time. What are some thoughts about this?

Federal Appeals Court Rules That Delta-8 THC Is Legal | Forbes.com

So am I. One evening after a long day on my feet all day I was taking a hot bath and decided to use the Delta 8 wax my brother had given me because my arthritis was flaring bad that night. It was a very small round container that it was in. I didn't even use a 1/4 of it and it helped my pain so much ! I started doing this 2 times a week for about 2 weeks. I had read about Delta 8 and read that it was legal so I didn't think there was a problem. This was in August 2021. I had told a coworker about it and she started teasing me by making jokes about being stoned. I didn't think much of it and just blew it off. Well about a week after I had mentioned it to her I was called to my supervisors office  where she told me that someone had mentioned to her that I smoke marijuana and that is illegal so she needed me to take a drug test. Of course I had no problem taking the test since I wasn't using marijuana. Well then I get a call from the MRO telling me I failed ! I was shocked ! I was so upset ! I told him about the delta 8 and he told me that is why I failed then. He explained it to me. Since then my case was sent to the Texas BON where I am fighting to keep my license still. I have been a nurse for 21 years this year ! I cannot lose my license for something that is legal. My fingers are crossed and I'm saying my prayers.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Kristy:  Moral of the story:  Don't tell people what you are doing. It's none of their business and they will tattle on you just to make trouble. Time to make it all legal. Alcohol is much more dangerous/costly anyhow.

The issue is not if we, as individuals agree about whether  pot is evil/good/helpful or gate way to Taco Bell..it's about the fact it's legal. A nurse can be prescribed medication (like Xanax for instance) to assist with sleep or anxiety & if drug tested could  show up as positive..Does it mean he/she should be fired if taking Xanax? I understand one is a prescription while the other is OTC but both can be detected in drug screens hours/days after last taking.

It seems a bit hypocritical to ax one employee for taking an OTC med (legally) but allowing another employee to continue working because an NP/PA/DO or MD signature happened to provide the substance they are taking - when neither are showing/working impaired.

 

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
subee said:

That was not lost on me.  However, if one is drug tested the day after a glass of wine, your job is safe.  IMHO, wine is a safer and healthier inebrient.  Chocolate can be associated with steep personal and societal  costs but that doesn't mean we can't consume it thoughtfully without becoming obese and the societal costs of that.  The best thing is just to lie on the floor and try to breathe perfectly evenly.  It's very difficult and will help you get to sleep more easily,  while a glass of wine can interfere with your sleep.  But I didn't mean to preach.  My main point was that it is dystopian image of having taking a drug (including alcohol) to unwind when science fiction authors have been predicting this for years.

After having a very painful auto Immune Disorder since the age of 13 I have to disagree. Back in the day I never smoked weed because  I was afraid of what my parents would say/do to me if they found out. Over the years I haved been prescribed Darvocet, Vicodin, and Noco which helps but causes a host of other problem in my system. I started using CBD No weed included and I am finally weaning off the opiodes after almost 30 years. Funny I have never has a single detox symptoms which must mean I was using responsibly.  I would probably use Delta 8 if I wasn't a nurse but the most common Urine test (The one employers use) does not differentiate between Delta 8 and delta 9(regular MJ."

Hppy

I think the fact that women refuse to esteem themselves as male counterparts is why I abhor women dominating professions.  It's such a sad & stupid situation to have to justify what you do in the privacy of your own home when not working because we have ancient Draconian vestiges called women with the self sadism in play.  
 

Male dominated Medical Boards ( yes doctors that have more responsibility) have a policy of treating it like alcohol-and then again when they make a mistake it's malpractice ( if the hospital doesn't have their back) not jail so go figure . 
 

And no I do not use Marijuana but if I did it should be my own business just like if I consumed wine ? after work and not while I'm the job.

 

im embarrassed sometimes to be called a RNBSN and can understand why most young women from ?? USA University do not want to be Registered Nurses.  Not to mention that you have to fight to earn 6/figures with benefits and in some places RN will still accept $30/hr which is an obscene indictment of low balling oneself... who wants these women as colleagues in 2923?

 

Just being transparent- no offense please.

Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

What is it like there in the future?

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Anna Kasparov said:

I think the fact that women refuse to esteem themselves as male counterparts is why I abhor women dominating professions.  It's such a sad & stupid situation to have to justify what you do in the privacy of your own home when not working because we have ancient Draconian vestiges called women with the self sadism in play.  
 

Male dominated Medical Boards ( yes doctors that have more responsibility) have a policy of treating it like alcohol-and then again when they make a mistake it's malpractice ( if the hospital doesn't have their back) not jail so go figure . 
 

And no I do not use Marijuana but if I did it should be my own business just like if I consumed wine ? after work and not while I'm the job.

 

im embarrassed sometimes to be called a RNBSN and can understand why most young women from ?? USA University do not want to be Registered Nurses.  Not to mention that you have to fight to earn 6/figures with benefits and in some places RN will still accept $30/hr which is an obscene indictment of low balling oneself... who wants these women as colleagues in 2923?

 

Just being transparent- no offense please.

When we have a test that can reliably measure dose/ response for MJ, it will remain taboo to hospitals.  Otherwise you are the worst misogynist I have encountered on AN.,,,or anywhere else.  

+ Join the Discussion