HIV+ student concerned about drug testing while taking Marinol

[up'n'coming]

I've been accepted into a nursing program here in Portland, OR, and am a little nervous about the drug test. I have had HIV for over 20 years and, while in perfect health, I take Marinol ( pot in a pill) nightly to counter the effects of Atrilpla. It doesn't give me a high or a thrill, it just settles my stomach and keeps me from having dreams that disturb my sleep. If/when I test positive, will showing my prescription to the school be enough to clear my name, or is there a chance that I will be discriminated against due to the HIV? Is Marinol considered an acceptable reason to test positive? It's not like medical marijuana, in that there is no smoking involved. I have drug tested previously for jobs in different fields, with a positive result, and showing my prescription has always sufficed, but I am unsure as to how this would work for nursing school and nursing in general. I'm afraid to go to the school and disclose my HV status, as I really don't know if the HIV will stigmatize me, but I will need to disclose the Marinol use if the test is positive. Disclosing Marinol use to counteract Atripla side-effects is tantamount to disclosure of my HIV infection, as Artipla is only used for HIV infection, and I assume that nurses and nursing teachers know this. I've worked long and hard to get here and can't imaging having to step away from my dreams due to a prescription. Would it be better to lay off the Marinol till after the test and, if so, how long should I go without it to ensure a negative test. Any feedback is welcomed!

[Scrubmouse RN]

I think by law, they cannot discriminate against you. As for your meds, I think if you disclose that you take it for documented medical reasons, they may let you off the hook. It shouldn't be a problem. You may not have to tell them your HIV status, just say that the pill is for nausea or whatever other symptoms it's used for.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

i have heard that employers (or schools in this case), can still deny you for using medical marijuana even if you show proof and it is legal in your state.

"Based on the state or states in which an employer is located, different statutes affect the policies the employer must follow. Even if a particular state in which an employer's business is located has state marijuana laws, the employer is not necessarily bound to accept medical usage as a legitimate reason for a positive test."

-- Medical Marijuana in the Workplace

so, it basically sounds like its up to the institution.. i wish you the best of luck!

[Spotty44]

That's a tricky situation. Even though medical marijuana is legalized in Oregon, employers can still fire an employee for testing positive (happened to my brother-in-law), and it can probably land you in hot water with your nursing school. I would think that even though you have a prescription for Marinol, you could still end up in trouble if you test positive because you can't prove that you *don't* smoke marijuana....testing positive is testing positive. Some clinical sites around here require a clean drug test before you can be a student there. I'm an Oregon student and my school only required a drug test if we were assigned to a clinical facility that required a test. Also, if under suspicion, they can require a random drug test at any time.

Drug testing extends beyond just school, many hospitals in the area require a clean test before they will hire you and can require a random test as a requirement of employment. Especially if you're involved in an on the job accident. Honestly, I'd see if you can find an alternative to Marinol (although I'm sure you've probably tried everything). Until the laws are more concrete, you could risk getting kicked out of nursing school or not being able to get a job/getting fired....and the law won't be on your side unfortunately.

[up'n'coming]

Thanks for the input. Another big question I have is whether Marinol is considered medical marijuana, or if smoking is the focus of the medical use of pot. I know that Marinol is THC only, without the cannabanoids, so it may or may not be considered "marijuana." Either way, you are probably right...a pos test is a pos test, and that's a big chance to take. Any ideas on how long I should go without Marinol to test negative?

[2bnurseskip]

up'n'coming you can purchase a drug test from any drug store. if your curious to know if it would show up that's always an option. i live in alabama and in our handbook we are required to advise of our status, however they can not discriminate against you, or turn you doing because of it. i pray everything works out for you.

[heron, ASN, RN]

i have heard that employers (or schools in this case), can still deny you for using medical marijuana even if you show proof and it is legal in your state.

"Based on the state or states in which an employer is located, different statutes affect the policies the employer must follow. Even if a particular state in which an employer's business is located has state marijuana laws, the employer is not necessarily bound to accept medical usage as a legitimate reason for a positive test."

-- Medical Marijuana in the Workplace

so, it basically sounds like its up to the institution.. i wish you the best of luck!

I think medical marijuana and marinol are two different things.

Marinol was developed as a way to get the benefits of marijuana without the intoxicating side effect.

A bit like the difference between foxglove and digitalis, or between periwinkle and vincristine.

Don't think I've ever seen a real legal opinion on the question, though. It's an interesting question.

Meanwhile, while the ADA would prevent outright discrimination based on a chronic illness ... the reality is that the prejudice is still there.

I'd be a lot more worried about privacy issues, myself.

[heron, ASN, RN]

Have you tried asking your state BON?

[heron, ASN, RN]

Also, we can't give medical advice on this site ... you need to talk with your own provider to decide whether to change medications. It's a complex risk-benefit judgement call.

In my experience, it's best to be very careful when changing an established regimen while it's still working well.

We simply can't give medical advice, here. Dangerous for us, you and the site.

Because of that, I need to flag this thread for the mods to check out.

But you're welcome to PM me if you need support.

[up'n'coming]

Thanks for the input, heron. I wouldn't take medical advice from here, anyway, but understand you need to flag for approval. The Marinol is PRN and not necessary for survival...just for comfort. I'll check with the Oregon BON and see what they say.

[heron, ASN, RN]

Glad you didn't take it personally.

Let us know what the BON has to say ... I'd be interested in their answer.

Good luck!

[Nursesomeday0211]

You cannot be discriminated against for HIV status at all. Your drug test might be positive and your medication prescriptions should clear you name. Just in case I would get a letter from your primary care provider stating that these medications are prescribed by them and that you are being monitored.

Hope you have a great time in Nursing school!