Legalization of recreational marijuana use in CA.

[wootnurse]

So, Prop 64 passed, making recreational marijuana legal in the state of CA. I'm wondering how this would work for nurses wanting to partake in the usage?

To my understanding there is no current way to test for the substance to determine current intoxication. THC metabolites do take a long time to filter out.

Are there any Colorado nurses with insight on the subject?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Just because it's legal doesn't mean an employer or BON has to allow it. Look at how many facilities don't hire smokers.

[RiskManager]

We have had medical marijuana for many years in Washington and recreational marijuana for a couple of years. Speaking of how it is viewed in Washington, regardless of legality, no healthcare employer will hire you if you use it for any medical or recreational purpose, everyone does pre-employment drug testing and testing for cause after employment. We had a case go up to our state Supreme Court who ruled an employer can discharge an employee for using medical marijuana. I expect California healthcare employers are not going to be any different.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Yup...still likely won't be hired or kept on the job if you test positive. Prior to my nursing career I did partake a couple times and man did it help me sleep amazing. Life goes on.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Employers still retain the right to discipline employees who fail drug tests. The fact that marijuana is now legal doesn't mean employers have to give it their blessing.

Also, marijuana still remains Schedule I, so it can not be legally prescribed. PCPs can only recommend its use, and the medical marijuana card that you get merely helps you beat a possession charge...though with recreational marijuana use now legalized, not sure if the card will be needed anymore.