Medical marijuana for nurses in Florida

[lizzyreg]

Hi there, quick question, I was recently talking to one of colleagues that has chronic pain and is currently taking some narcotic pain meds and will like to come off the opiates and switch to medical marijuana due to the feedback of success with pain and I wasn't sure nurses are allowed to partake in this program even with a doctors order. Are nurses allowed in the state of Florida to partake in medical marijuana prescribed/recommended by a doctor?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Just as in any profession, if against the employer's policy, an employee cannot test positive for marijuana.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

If medical marijuana is legal in Florida, employers may need to update their policies to be within the law.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

This question is becoming a big one as more states adopt legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Employer policies may change however it is my understanding that the State BON's are opting to follow federal regulation. They will still subject your license to discipline if you are referred to them for use / + test results.

Hppy

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

If medical marijuana is legal in Florida, employers may need to update their policies to be within the law.

Not necessarily. The Colorado Supreme Court has already ruled that employees may still be fired for the use of legal substances, including marijuana.

The court's decision was a blow to marijuana advocates, who have consistently seen court rulings go against them, with judges in Colorado and elsewhere saying that companies have the right to create their own drug policies.

Workers Can Be Fired for Marijuana Use, Colorado Court Rules - The New York Times

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Not yet.

[PeakRN]

Consider additionally if his or her job is federally regulated. Even though marijuana is legal because we conduct federally funded cancer research pot is a huge no no.