Medical marijuana vs. opiods in WC

[monkey205]

I would love to have some thoughts from all aspects of nursing on your opinion of using medical marijuana as opposed to the use of opioids in the auto injury and/or work compensation fields. Please opinion on the benefit, long term costs, diagnoses and usage, appropriateness, legality and liability - any thing that I can bring to a discussion at work. Appreciate any and all thoughts! thanks.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Opinions are fine, but a good way to springboard conversation and discussion is to tell us what you have already researched.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Curious as to why just the auto injury & workers' comp? What's unique about those 2 fields or their injuries? Please opine.

[WheresMyPen]

I used to use it when I was on chemotherapy. It helped with my n/v, sleep, appetite, and despite popular belief it made me more productive. If used in reasonable amounts it is very beneficial but people should not drive on it or care for patients while using it. It did give me anxiety but I used vistaril to combat that which also helped n/v. I think the main reason it's not legal in all states is because it's so inexpensive and would not make as much profit. It has multiple uses for pain and sleep, appetite etc. which would compete with a multitude of other drugs on th market. and making weed legal would make hemp legal, which would compete with other materials to make clothes, furniture, food and beer, etc.

but it even in states where it is legal for recreational use, some nurses are finding that it's not so black as white. Due to the fact that you can't tell if someone is using it in the job or when they get home, from a drug test, some nurses are losing their jobs or being warned not to use it, and being drug tested for no probable cause.

[monkey205]

A few thoughts

Should insurance companies be required for pay for treatment that the federal goverment considers illegal?

What if an employee gets injured, or injures someone else while under the influence of medical marijuana while at work? Who's liability is it? Does the employer have to cover the worker even though the employer was 'under the influence' of a drug that one would get fired for on a drug screen? How does an employer enforce a 'drug free work zone'?

What are the' legal limits' for being under the influence (alcohol .08)

Does an employer legally have to accomodate employee for medical marijuana when against federal laws?

This topic can go any way it wants - just would like some thoughts.

[WheresMyPen]

A few thoughts

Should insurance companies be required for pay for treatment that the federal goverment considers illegal?

What if an employee gets injured, or injures someone else while under the influence of medical marijuana while at work? Who's liability is it? Does the employer have to cover the worker even though the employer was 'under the influence' of a drug that one would get fired for on a drug screen? How does an employer enforce a 'drug free work zone'?

What are the' legal limits' for being under the influence (alcohol .08)

Does an employer legally have to accomodate employee for medical marijuana when against federal laws?

This topic can go any way it wants - just would like some thoughts.

theres a big grey area. I generally don't think people should drive or work under the influence. But I understand that some people cannot function without prescription meds. I'm torn on this. A good way to base it on the individual would be to closely monitor them. If they are working safely, no signs of abusing meds, no more mistakes than someone who isn't on those meds, then maybe it would be okay. But it's iffy.