Well here's something I didn't think about: secondhand pot smoke?

[Guttercat]

I recently accepted a position in a nice facility, after a year and a half hiatus to go back to school. I am now about to go through the pee and background checks. It's never been an issue in my many years as an RN, because I don't smoke pot, indulge in drugs, or hijack cars or rob banks.

Last night, I got to thinking, however, that exposure to secondhand pot might very well be an issue. See, I live fairly far out in the country, and the only store/gas station/diner/post office within a 17 mile radius of my home is owned by a moron who is of the green variety--grows, cooks, smokes (even in the store!) all varieties of cannabis one could imagine. (Before he bought the place, I had no idea of exactly how versatile cannabis is. Who knew?!? )

People have been complaining of pot smoke wafting through the building on occasion, and cops have been called (no regulatory agency wants to do anything about it---a story for a different day, and it doesn't help that I live in a very pot-friendly state.) I visit this place nearly every day--to pick up mail, yak with locals, buy a gallon of milk, get a burger, or buy gas. If it's particularly stinky on any given day, I don't stay long. I've not had to take a pee test for over 11 years (long before this clown bought the establishment), and it just never crossed my mind.

All I can think now is what the hell am I going to do if my pee has THC in it??? Tell my new employer, "Really! I didn't do it! There's this guy that owns the store, see, and..." If I was an employer, I'd be thinking, "Uh-huh, riiiiiight." (I would lay money down that some of you reading this are thinking, "Uh-huh, riiiight." :) ) In all seriousness, I am quite concerned. However, I don't know exactly how MUCH I have been exposed to, maybe not much, and perhaps I am just getting worked-up over nothing. But, I am at this establishment for at least a few minutes every day.

[pockunit, ADN, RN]

That's because people respond to that post before they get to your apology. Happens everywhere, not just here.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You would need to be exposed to a high concentration of secondhand smoke over a long period of time to test positive for THC.

The real problem here is nurses are held to RIDICULOUS standards by the BON.

Do you think if a doctor had THC in their system it would be an issue?

Ancient laws on the books.. a substance that takes weeks to clear the system is a problem.. come to work with a legal ETOH level.. meh.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

My opinion is that I'm glad we don't work together, because you'd constantly be offended by my lack of filter, and I'd constantly be in the manager's office.

Hahahaha! Me too!!:)

Anne, RNC

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Several of you will be glad he has not (as of today) blown himself up.

In reading some of today's posts, however, I might blow my own self up.

Good bye, cruel world.

As for testing myself, I will not divulge results one way or the other should I go that route. I do thank those of you who have given me some links and experiential/anecdotal references. Puts my mind at ease.

:) I hope it goes well for u!

Anne, RNC

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

My opinion is that I'm glad we don't work together, because you'd constantly be offended by my lack of filter, and I'd constantly be in the manager's office.

If you're talking to me, I doubt it. It takes a lot to offend me. Wishing bad on people is just one thing that just puts a bad taste in my mouth.

[Mr. Murse]

a few other people have said this, but you would have to be in a small space with thick smoke to test positive for THC. It would be HIGHLY unlikely (I would even say impossible) that you would test positive by going into a convenience store where someone has been smoking. If you were driving around with a friend and they had the windows rolled up then I'd be concerned, but not what you described.

Either way, go buy an OTC test just to ease your mind, but I'd bet money you have nothing to worry about.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

The original question could have been quickly and easily answered by a simple Google search- but then we would have missed out on this stimulating discussion.

Personally, I am more of the "Live and Let Live" ilk. That's one of the things I love about living rurally- my neighbors and I mind our own business.

Like the OP, I have limited options for grocery shopping or going out to eat without driving a long way. The closest place has a very limited selection and outrageously expensive prices, so I don't shop there unless I'm in dire straits. The second closest place doesn't really align with my values, so I don't go there.

And that's the key, OP. You really don't have to give this guy your business if you disagree with the way he runs it.

As far as "cooking" hash oil, there really isn't any actual cooking involved. The THC is extracted using butane (this is the part that needs to be done in a well ventilated area, i.e. outside) which is a cold process. The guy would have to be a complete and total idiot to do this in an enclosed space, and my guess is that if he hasn't blown himself up yet, it's because he's doing it outside, and maybe finishing up the rest of the process (which can be safely done indoors) in the basement.

And no, I don't smoke pot, but I like the smell and it doesn't bother me to be around it. Maybe that's because my parents were hippies from the sixties and so I grew up around it and never saw any of the dire consequences people are so afraid of. They were great parents and I had a wonderful childhood. The only drugs I partake in are caffeine and alcohol- but I am a proponent of the harm reduction philosophy. I feel like prohibition only pushes things underground where people don't have access to good information or resources, but they're still going to do it anyway. I see substance use as a public health issue, not a moral one. Human beings have been using substances to alter their consciousness since time immemorial, and we're not about to stop it anytime soon.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

"I tested positive becauseof secondhand smoke"is nothing but a BS excuse.

FTR: I have no problem with pot smoking responsibly. I do NOT do it.

[TU RN, DNP, CRNA]

Oh my god why does this forum always get so bent out of shape about ganj. Smoke some and relax. I promise it won't kill you.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

Oh my god why does this forum always get so bent out of shape about ganj. Smoke some and relax. I promise it won't kill you.

I'm so relieved.

I'll just go toke up, and when my pre-employment pee test comes back positive I'll just tell them you said it was OK.

I've seen some inane posts on these forums over the years, but congratulations, you win.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

And no, I don't smoke pot, but I like the smell and it doesn't bother me to be around it. Maybe that's because my parents were hippies from the sixties and so I grew up around it and never saw any of the dire consequences people are so afraid of. They were great parents and I had a wonderful childhood. The only drugs I partake in are caffeine and alcohol- but I am a proponent of the harm reduction philosophy. I feel like prohibition only pushes things underground where people don't have access to good information or resources, but they're still going to do it anyway. I see substance use as a public health issue, not a moral one. Human beings have been using substances to alter their consciousness since time immemorial, and we're not about to stop it anytime soon.

I wish I could like this more.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I'm so relieved.

I'll just go toke up, and when my pre-employment pee test comes back positive I'll just tell them you said it was OK.

I've seen some inane posts on these forums over the years, but congratulations, you win.

We'll see a post here one day by this chick, lamenting the fact that she's gotten unjustly fired for failing a drug test.