How does BON handle + marijuana screens from nurses in states that have legalized it?

[Neveranurseagain]

I see that Arizona has just voted in to legalize medical marijuana if you have a recommendation from an MD. How does the BON in the states that have legalized medical marijuana react if you test positive but have an RX from an MD for it? Anyone had any experience with their BON or know their policies?

[janaRNWV]

FYI, marijuana is only found for up to 30 days in folks with "heavy, chronic use". Otherwise, it typically is gone in a couple days...

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

I see that Arizona has just voted in to legalize medical marijuana if you have a recommendation from an MD. How does the BON in the states that have legalized medical marijuana react if you test positive but have an RX from an MD for it? Anyone had any experience with their BON or know their policies?

I would guess it would be treated like any other drug:

If you have a prescription for it, you are allowed to use it. Just like any opiate, depressant, etc

However, just like with any prescription drug, the facility has a right to have a nurse that is not impaired, therefore, can have additional restrictions that you cannot work if you have consumed X number of hours before a shift.

Remember: ANY drug, regardless of what it is...is deemed illegal by statute or if it you are not prescribed the drug, it is illegal for you to have it...at all.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

From what I understand, Prop 203 in Arizona has a clause that states if you have a recommendation for medical marijuana that you can't be discriminated against for housing or employment.

"Employers cannot discriminate against patients and caregivers and a positive test for marijuana metabolites is not cause for disciplining or terminating a patient."

[coolpeach]

My Aunt died of Multiple Myloma a few years ago, and she was prescribed marijuana in her last few months of life due to the incredible pain she was having. It was in pill form. So I wonder why if that's available they would even worry with the growing/smoking etc since we know that its just as bad for your lungs as cigarette smoking.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

FYI, marijuana is only found for up to 30 days in folks with "heavy, chronic use". Otherwise, it typically is gone in a couple days...

I would disagree with that, mainly because I know of someone years ago that failed a drug test that smoked exactly two "joints" about two weeks prior to a drug test...that probably wouldn't constitute heavy use.

[Fribblet]

FYI, marijuana is only found for up to 30 days in folks with "heavy, chronic use". Otherwise, it typically is gone in a couple days...

Not entirely true. Other factors determining the rate at which THC is metabolized out of one's system are the metabolism of the person smoking, as well as the half-life of the substance, which can vary.

A first time smoker who only took a couple of puffs of a joint will likely not have the drug show up in a test 30 days post usage, but it can take more than just a couple of days.

[Fribblet]

From what I understand, Prop 203 in Arizona has a clause that states if you have a recommendation for medical marijuana that you can't be discriminated against for housing or employment.

Correct, but an employer can demand that an employee not be impaired while working. And, with marijuana's slow exit from the human body, a good case can be made that if one tests positive, one is likely impaired.

Is it right? Probably not. Is it safest? Currently, yes.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Given that the drug is still illegal on the national level, which trumps state law, I suspect that nothing has changed with the BON.

And there are plenty of legal drugs that nurses are not to work while under the influence of. Legality does not necessarily permit one use a med and still work as a nurse.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Well... the defense was used for a Canadian Winter Olympics athlete many years back...

Yeah, he also said he was around a huge amount of people smoking. It's a sucker's excuse, and it's not likely one that will win an argument if one gets drug tested by one's hospital, although if someone wants to try, they can feel free.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

it looks like the arizona bon may not be able to discipline nurses who test positive:

here is the actual statute:

"b. a registered qualifying patient or registered designated caregiver is not subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner, or denial of any right or privilege, including any civil penalty or disciplinary action by a court or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau"

30 facts about arizonas new medical marijuana law | the norml stash blog

[OttawaRPN]

Medical marijuana is legal in Canada, sold in capsule form as Cesamet (Nabilone) - a synthetic type which contains the THC w/o the other harmful chemicals of naturally grown cannabis. It is far less addictive and provides sustained relief, usually BID dosing, whereas organic MJ gives you the euphoria almost immediately providing only short periods of relief so you'd have to smoke joint after joint to get long lasting effects.

Are there even any FDA-approved medications that are smoked? Smoking seems like a poor way to deliver medicine, the harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are byproducts of smoking create entirely new health problems. Given that a safer and lung friendly version is available, why would anyone want to harm their lungs?

[klone, MSN, RN]

So I wonder why if that's available they would even worry with the growing/smoking etc since we know that its just as bad for your lungs as cigarette smoking.

I live in CO, where medicinal marijuana has been going strong for 3+ years. You can find a dispensary at every block in Denver.

Yes, people do smoke it, but they are just as likely to take it in a baked good, candy, or if they have a vaporizor dealie, they'll inhale the vapors.

You still have to grow it, regardless of what method you use to take it in.