Legalized Marijuana/ Medical Marijuana

[RN2364]

Anyone out there familiar with the BON's stance on marijuana now that it is legal in many states? I pretty much assume that any nurse in recovery would have to stay away from it as it's a mind altering substance. How about the nurse not in recovery? Is that nurse allowed to ingest marijuana in states its legal to do so? How about pre-employment drug screens or random drug screens. Is it ok to test positive if not in recovery since it's legal?

How about any nurse with with a medical card? How does the BON feel about medical cards for those both in recovery and not. Since it's technically medically prescribed is it ok to use with a medical card. How about employers. Are they employing nurses who test positive but have their medical card.

I know people still take opiates and benzo's while in a monitoring program. As long as the rules are followed I know at least the Arizona BON allows nurses to continue with their Rx's.

Any information or or discussion on this would be both informative and interesting ...

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

I have never heard of a monitoring contract that allows for the use Benzos and opiates. The ones I am familiar with are complete abstinence. As for the marijuana question my guess is that it could still exclude you from employment due to the fact that it is still illegal at the Federal Level. California BON does not accept Medical Marijuana cards as they are not prescriptions. They are recommendations. Think of it like Alcohol which is legal everywhere. You still can't work under the influence. I have been around a lot of medical and recreational MJ users and in most cases if they are perfectly honest they will admit that it does impact their ability to practice safely.

Hppy

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I have never heard of a monitoring contract that allows for the use Benzos and opiates.

Kansas lets you use controlled substances while under monitoring. It just requires more documentation. I think I've explained this once or twice to you, in fact.

[RN2364]

Arizona also lets you use controlled substances while in the CANDO program as long you have the correct documentation and a new Rx each month from your physician.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Eh, I think most contracts will include a clause like "unless prescribed by someone who has a copy of this agreement" in regards to legal controlled substances.

However, I'd imagine marijuana is an uphill battle because it's not legal on the federal level.