If the government legalizes marijuana in the US...

[GlenwoodUSN]

When the US government legalizes weed at the federal level will nurses be allowed to smoke weed?

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

Not when, but if. I doubt that you'll see marijuana decriminalized at the federal level for some time.

I would bet a lot of $$$ that you are wrong. Social pressure is what criminalized it in the first place and as that social pressure wanes the tax income will become too great an enticement for some administration.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would bet a lot of $$$ that you are wrong. Social pressure is what criminalized it in the first place and as that social pressure wanes the tax income will become too great an enticement for some administration.

I agree.

[GlenwoodUSN]

Smoking weed is not all that. Why are people so obsessed with it?

That's a good question. Well since you're a nurse you are a student of science right? In health science we explore empirical evidence and evaluate it's use. There's been a lot of buzz about the positive and minimal side effects of weed. You don't think it's worth checking out? Lawmakers began the prohibition of marijuana and it's research. Not a scientist, doctor or nurse. So where is your empirical proof that weed isn't all that or beneficial as you assume? If Donald Trump decides to outlaw Motrin are you gonna waste it all and stand outside your hospital with a picket sign. Be reasonable, not a fanatic of the regime.

All you by the book naysayers really ought to try it before you knock it. Don't live like a socialist goose-stepping prude. Live a little and explore.

[GlenwoodUSN]

Thank you! People act like it's the Second Coming. Also, it REALLY stinks. I hate walking by people who are smoking it- just when things were getting better with fewer cigarette smokers in public...

I hear you on the fewer cigarette smoking in public end. I hate nicotine. As for the smell of weed. It's a minor annoyance compared to it's benefits.

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

I hear you on the fewer cigarette smoking in public end. I hate nicotine. As for the smell of weed. It's a minor annoyance compared to it's benefits.

The smell of weed makes me a tad nauseous, too. Oddly, when I quit smoking cigarettes, I used the patch and gum sometimes. I can smell the nicotine in those sometimes and almost get a Pavlovian saliva reaction. On a related note, I also can't stand strong perfume/colognes, "air fresheners" and incense. I really don't need to smell other people's stuff.

All you by the book naysayers really ought to try it before you knock it. Don't live like a socialist goose-stepping prude. Live a little and explore.

Plenty of people have seen the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Many children of alcoholics will never touch the stuff. Just because it is fun for some doesn't mean people that don't try it are "by the book naysayers". Some have seen or had their lives ruined by drugs or alcohol. And marijuana can be a simple "stepping stone" for some. In my experience, I've seen plenty of people that "just" smoke marijuana (and honestly, that seems to be it.. no job/career, no ambition.. just a lot of smoke).

[GlenwoodUSN]

I don't get it either. It's supposed to be non-addictive, but it seems like so many people are willing to risk so much to partake.

That's why that risk needs to be eliminated. Employers and the BON need to get with the times when marijuana reform sweeps in, and it will.

[GlenwoodUSN]

Plenty of people have seen the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Many children of alcoholics will never touch the stuff. Just because it is fun for some doesn't mean people that don't try it are "by the book naysayers". Some have seen or had their lives ruined by drugs or alcohol. And marijuana can be a simple "stepping stone" for some. In my experience, I've seen plenty of people that "just" smoke marijuana (and honestly, that seems to be it.. no job/career, no ambition.. just a lot of smoke).

While marijuana may provide a stepping stone to other more dangerous drugs, we must always consider the will and constitution of an individual. If a person is a susceptible and weak they are then always likely to further dangerous behaviors no matter how much intervention. There's no working around that. Those toxic behaviors are about as innate as breathing. I worked in psych and I learned that alcohol use is at the top of the list in substance abuse. Alcohol is legal, celebrated and ruins lives.

[TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN]

While marijuana may provide a stepping stone to other more dangerous drugs, we must always consider the will and constitution of an individual. If a person is a susceptible and weak they are then always likely to further dangerous behaviors no matter how much intervention. There's no working around that. Those toxic behaviors are about as innate as breathing. I worked in psych and I learned that alcohol use is at the top of the list in substance abuse. Alcohol is legal, celebrated and ruins lives.

As a psych nurse surely you realize that being addicted to a substance doesn't mean that person is "weak", right?

[Sour Lemon]

As a psych nurse surely you realize that being addicted to a substance doesn't mean that person is "weak", right?

I do think it's a type of weakness. Some people are more susceptible and just "light up" inside after their first experience with a potentially addictive substance. Others are easily able to let go and move on.

"Weak" person doesn't equal "bad" person, though.

[TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN]

I do think it's a type of weakness. Some people are more susceptible and just "light up" inside after their first experience with a potentially addictive substance. Others are easily able to let go and move on.

"Weak" person doesn't equal "bad" person, though.

I'm too tired at the moment to argue with you. All I'll say is try floating that idea over on the recovery form, I'm sure they'd all love to hear how weak they are.

[klone, MSN, RN]

All you by the book naysayers really ought to try it before you knock it. Don't live like a socialist goose-stepping prude. Live a little and explore.

You assume a lot.

I don't deny that there are a lot of untapped medical benefits to marijuana. But let's not be disingenuous here. You're a dude who wants to toke. We see posts like this here about once a month. And yeah, I don't get it.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

If the government legalizes marijuana in the U.S....

Then my pot stocks are going to go sky high.

No pun intended.