Marijuana and nursing

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

I live in Colorado, where recreational pot is legal. Nevertheless, I know of NO hospitals that allow their employees to use marijuana, and if a random test (or pre-employment screen) finds THC, the nurse will likely be fired.

As far as the state BON goes, I'm guessing that there would be ramifications to a nurse's license.

Just because something is legal does not mean that facilities can't create their own policies, and most places I know of have a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

It is still illegal under federal law. That will trump the state laws if they (feds) pursue it.

I don't see any board of nursing loosing up on it in the foreseeable future.

You can have a script for opioids and still run into issues with the board and employers.

You may have to choose between 420 and nursing or run the consequences of testing positive even if it is on down time.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

Eric Holder has already said that they are not planning on overturning or disputing Colorado's and Washington's laws. They are watching with interest to see how well we are able to implement it and how much money it makes for the government.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

A very simple answer...No.

You may not smoke even if it is legal or that you have a legal prescription.

Marijuana, Both Legal And Illegal, Triggers License Confusion For Doctors, Cops | WBUR

roser13, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

Look at it this way:

You come to work, act a little "off" and your supervisor reports your behavior. An immediate test shows alcohol in your system.

Fired immediately. Just because it's legal doesn't mean that you can come to work under the influence.

Same, same for pot.

If, at age 18, you're questioning this, I say choose another major. I, personally, don't want you caring for me or my loved ones.

Actually, I already knew this, but my reinforced prayer today is: Please, God, keep me safe from the State of Florida.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

I know this doesn't help you, but in Canada it is illegal to do random drug screens except in specific situations, and I have never heard of anyone having one before. Crazy.

roser13, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

I know this doesn't help you, but in Canada it is illegal to do random drug screens except in specific situations, and I have never heard of anyone having one before. Crazy.

Drug screens are not illegal in the U.S.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

If they do a random test and you are positive you are immediately fired and turned into the BON at my place of employment.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

Drug screens are not illegal in the U.S.

I gathered that....

edmia, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

I know this doesn't help you, but in Canada it is illegal to do random drug screens except in specific situations, and I have never heard of anyone having one before. Crazy.

Canada continues to amaze me for its maturity and respect of basic rights.

The marihuana debate will be resolved as more states legalize. For now OP, wait until you turn 21 and have some vacation time to smoke. And obviously don't before applying to a job or school...

edmia, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

I, personally, don't want you caring for me or.

But why? Why do you care if a nurse smoked on his day off 3 days before the next shift? Why? Don't you know the pharmacology of marihuana? I don't mean to offend you but I just don't understand this attitude.

And I am not talking about a nurse high (or drunk) while at work. That is unsafe and plain stupid. But, just like I have wine on my days off, why can't I smoke? It's a great anxiolytic and much safer than other meds.

I just don't get it.