Medical Marijuana for nurses

[JB-RN]

I saw a thread quite awhile back about medical marijuana use with nurses. I was just wondering if there are any nurses out there who are patients or know about any supreme court precedents in place or in process? I have chronic pain and do not want to use opiates and would much rather use medical marijuana. I lives in WA state where it is totally legalized (not that it makes a difference)

Any input is appreciated,

Thank you.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

It is interesting that someone with chronic pain can work under the influence of prescription narcotics, but MM, oh no's.

Not necessarily. I believe FLBoN is one that prohibits nurses from working while needing narcotics, prescription or not. If you are impaired while using prescribed narcotics, or other drug such as Benadryl as Ive seen some more impaired by Benadryl than Xanax, you face discipline and mandated intervention by the board of nursing. Illegal drugs have additional ramifications than legal drugs (such as potential criminal charges)

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I'd agree with many posters above. I think it's a great idea, and I'm intrigued, but until thee's no question of legal issues, I'd avoid it. I am aware that some people have a chronic condition, and some take some opiates, but the difference is that it's from a legal script for a legal drug and its half life is shorter than marijuana. I'm quite sure there are many benefits to it, but the legal situation is far too precarious for me to take a chance with my license at this stage. There are so many gray areas and even people who legally have a license to sell it in a state where it's legal live in fear of arrest because they're still committing and offense at a federal level. Not worth it.