Marijuana and nursing

[swimmer333]

Hi, I'm an 18 year old nursing major and I've done tons of research on this, but haven't been able to find much. I want to know if a state has legalized marijuana for either medical or recreational use if there are penalties to nurses who smoke. I'm specifically going to be working in Florida and I just want to know if nurses can or cannot smoke. Now, I'm not saying right before work, but on our days off is it acceptable? I don't see how you could have a script and get in trouble...

Thanks!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I do not know why random tests are "crazy". It is not like someone is going to confess to being impaired. The risk for public safety outweighs personal rights in this situation - and, believe me, I am all about personal rights. I live in Texas aferall and Texas is BIG on that.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Random testing indicates distrust of its employees, that they will break the law unless you are watching over them ready to pounce.

Every place I've worked has been: pre-employment, and again only under suspicion of impairment.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I have never thought of random testing as an example of distrust. I still think it is better than expecting drunks and druggies to be professional enough to stay home when impaired. As long as everyone is being treated the same to me it is just another policy.

[richardgecko]

If you have to ask the answer is probably no.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

If they are allowed to not hire users of nicotine, then I would bet they would be allowed to not hire marijuana users. I do not know how the medical part will come into play.

[NurseDirtyBird]

I thought I was the only one who saw that.

OP the legalization of marijuana in Colorado or Washington state has nothing what so ever to do with smoking pot in Florida.

Don't get me wrong. I think it should be legalized after they can determine being under the active influence versus smoking 2 days before.

But marijuana is not legal in any way, shape, or form in Florida.

My significant other is a police officer in WA state. They DO have a blood test that determines if someone is currently under the influence, or has smoked/ingested marijuana within the last few hours before the test. Certain metabolites are present in the blood for a relatively short amount of time, and are different than the metabolites left in the blood and urine after the effects have worn off. They are using this test as evidence when prosecuting DUI cases where marijuana use is suspected.

So there IS a way to determine if someone is impaired at the time. Problem is the test is more expensive than a standard drug screen UA. I don't see companies paying for the far more accurate test any time soon. The standard UA testing is biased when it comes to cannabis. THC metabolites are in the system for a couple weeks to a month after use, while opioids, amphetamines, benzos, cocaine, and alcohol are out of the system in a matter of hours to a couple days.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

My significant other is a police officer in WA state. They DO have a blood test that determines if someone is currently under the influence, or has smoked/ingested marijuana within the last few hours before the test. Certain metabolites are present in the blood for a relatively short amount of time, and are different than the metabolites left in the blood and urine after the effects have worn off. They are using this test as evidence when prosecuting DUI cases where marijuana use is suspected.

So there IS a way to determine if someone is impaired at the time. Problem is the test is more expensive than a standard drug screen UA. I don't see companies paying for the far more accurate test any time soon. The standard UA testing is biased when it comes to cannabis. THC metabolites are in the system for a couple weeks to a month after use, while opioids, amphetamines, benzos, cocaine, and alcohol are out of the system in a matter of hours to a couple days.

Thank you I knew there had to be something...now something cost effective as well.

[pbajil]

I would not want a nurse to be taking care of me while high on marijuana. Prescription or no prescription. So, no.

[RunBabyRN]

I'm in CA, and it's absolutely not allowed. Some hospitals even test for nicotine use. Perfectly legal, but it increases their insurance premiums when people use. Most places drug test on hire, and of course will test if you have an incident.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

OP, you have three options. Change your mind, change your career, or change your handle. The fact that you are discussing the practice of socially unacceptable recreational use of a substance places you in a negative light among those already in the profession as well as potential patients. Unless you are a lawyer there is no point in asking questions to which you already know the answer.

Good luck to you.

This ^^^^ bears repeating.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

She's only 18, she may mature and change her thinking in the next few years. I would hope that if nursing school is a serious consideration, you become mature about your behavior and choices in your private life and social life and not make bad decisions that will follow you for the rest of your life. And that includes using drugs,binge drinking, and driving under the influence.

Roser13, I am offended that you would say "keep me safe from the State of Florida" I was not born and raised in FL but I am a nurse here and I am a damn good nurse and I am safe and so are my co-workers.

i sincerely apologize to you and all the other great Florida nurses. I spoke using a previously-held impression that has been borne out by a family member's recent transfer to FL. Their healthcare experiences have been hair-raising.

I am old enough to know not to paint all with a wide brush.

[Zantros, ASN]

Interesting article.