Legalization of recreational marijuana

U.S.A. Colorado

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As most of you all know, Colorado just approved recreational marijuana use. Does this mean that someone could test positive for THC and not face any repercussions?? I know you could not be intoxicated at work but if it is legal then how could it be held against you???

Specializes in Critical Care at Level 1 trauma center.

Could there be any consequences of just calling the state board of nursing and asking, "Hey can I smoke pot or not" lol obviously not in those words but they could not hold it against me for asking right?

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

I am wondering how many people who are looking for jobs, voted for this, will find out that employers still want you to be drug-free and thus won't hire you or keep you if you test positive?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Could there be any consequences of just calling the state board of nursing and asking, "Hey can I smoke pot or not" lol obviously not in those words but they could not hold it against me for asking right?

I am not so sure I'd be the first one to blaze the trail of legalized marijuana by calling and confronting the board. Nurses lose their licenses over "legal" addictions ALL the time! This legislation is VERY new and the honest answer is WE have NO idea!

Ask a lawyer...I suppose. I am a huge proponent of legalized marijuana....put the drug lords out of business. Control it, tax it and at least help decrease the deficit. Technically...if it is legal you for casual use you can use it just like alcohol and tobacco. But i urge you to proceed with caution. These are untested waters. This law can be repealed at any time if it "doesn't work out".

The law has not been tested. Hospitals have not set their policies. No one KNOWS where they will stand on this. These are uncharted waters

Hospitals are already not hiring people for legal substances. Many make it very clear if you smoke tobacco and test positive they will not hire you. You are takikng a chance. If you need your job and don't have large savings to assist in your legal fees.....I would exercise caution....if not....blaze forward, or light up as the case may be.

.Just remember these are VERY uncharted waters. You are a pioneer

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As most of you all know, Colorado just approved recreational marijuana use. Does this mean that someone could test positive for THC and not face any repercussions?? I know you could not be intoxicated at work but if it is legal then how could it be held against you???

Far as the federal government is concerned marijuana is *still* an illegal drug and IMHO that is what should cause you worry.

Personally IMHO anyone with any sort of professional license should stay on the straight and narrow until there is some firm change in federal laws. That can come from either the courts or action by Washington.

You should also consider what would happen if while on duty there is an adverse incident to a patient in your care, and a subsequent drug test turns up recent marijuana use. Even if you escape criminal charges and or keep your job the patient and or family may bring civil action against you.

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Specializes in Critical Care at Level 1 trauma center.

I really am not afraid of taking on the "establishment" ....This is going to sound conceded but I can afford to fight the good fight. I truly believe that patient care is paramount but that being said, I want to show people that alcohol and tobacco are way more harmful the marijuana. I think hospitals should be allowed to test for marijuana on the job, but not in a urine test. They can just as easily use a mouth swab or even a blood test to detect RECENT use.

I know legislations will take a few months at the least to kick in so I will see what the future brings.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

As per the terms of service we cannot offer legal advice. As you are just going to graduate in May........I wish you the best on your personal and nursing journey.

Good Luck!!!! waving2fd6.gif

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Specializes in Critical Care at Level 1 trauma center.

Thank you very much..

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People don't get hired for having a doctor's prescription for pain medication?

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Specializes in Emergency, Pre-Op, PACU, OR.

I guess there is a section in the ammendment that allows employers to decide if they will tolerate the consumption of marijuana (and other substances) by their employees, even if the use becomes legalized in the State. So you might be legally ok to smoke, but can still get fired by your employer for it if they choose to test for it accordingly.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
People don't get hired for having a doctor's prescription for pain medication?

That is correct.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Speaking as a former recreational user of marijuana I can make two observations:

1. ThC is detectable in urine for a very long time, up to about 40 days, I believe.

2. The hang-over effects are also long lasting and often include mood alterations as well as a slowing of cognitive function.

One more thing, so, three things:

3. Marijuana can be every bit as addictive as ETOH or any narcotic, if only psychologically and to the predisposed.

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Marijuana is addicting like cheeseburgers are addicting. Its nothing like alcohol and or other narcotics. Don't put those in the same category.

I also smoked all through nursing school, and smoked after studying. I have never experienced a marijuana hangover, ever. I have since quit because I wanted a job and to pass the drug test obviously, but let me tell you one thing. To quit drinking every weekend was a lot harder than quitting smoking.

No crap marijuana is detectable in the urine for 30 days it doesn't mean you are high though. There are blood tests now that can detect the THC levels in the blood to determine if a person is impaired.

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