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Many doctors and nurses are wondering if it is permissible for them to use marijuana now that it is becoming legal for both medical and recreational purposes throughout the United States.
The answer is difficult, but after reading this article you will have a clear idea of the ramifications for doctors who use (or consume) marijuana legally.
Using CBD as a Medical Professional
All 50 states are now permitted to use cannabidiol (CBD) products made from hemp that have less than 0.3% THC.
Nurses and doctors are permitted to use CBD products as long as they are THC-free and adhere to regulations set forth by the federal government.
Can you smoke weed as a nurse?
In legal places like Las Vegas, Nevada, nurses are permitted to consume marijuana as long as they:
- The nurse does not use drugs or alcohol while treating patients.
- They follow their employer's drug policies.
- They are not employed by the federal government.
- They do not break any DUI or other drug-related criminal laws.
The main worry among nurses is that the majority of nursing companies forbid marijuana use. Despite the fact that medical and recreational marijuana use is permitted by state law, companies are nevertheless entitled to enforce a drug-free workplace policy for occupations that need a high level of safety.
Even with a medical card, nurses who use marijuana may be fired. You should inquire with HR about the organization's drug use policy, which varies from company to company.
Employers are allowed to require a pre-employment drug test for nurses as a requirement for employment.
Even though marijuana is legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia, the federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Federal personnel are not allowed to use marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes, regardless of state legislation or the existence of a medical card.
The Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal organizations could fine nurses for consuming marijuana.
Testing for THC impairment is challenging since no drug test can reliably identify if a person is currently under the effect of marijuana.
Because marijuana remains in the body for a lot longer than alcohol does, a nurse may test positive for marijuana use weeks after their last consumption.
Can you smoke weed as a doctor?
Same rules as nurses apply to the doctor. Doctors can use marijuana if they are following these rules:
- The doctor does not use drugs or alcohol while treating patients.
- They follow their employer's drug policies.
- They are not employed by the federal government.
- They do not break any DUI or other drug-related criminal laws.
Medical professionals are not held to the same requirements as pain management specialists, who must earn a license to use marijuana.
The majority of medical boards have lenient policies regarding cannabis while doing work-related duties, they only take action when a doctor is intoxicated. For example, the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners does not have any regulations governing the use of marijuana by doctors for recreational or medical purposes.
However, the Board places a high priority on patient safety and professional behavior. If the Board is informed that a doctor is allegedly intoxicated, it may begin an investigation and medical evaluation that could jeopardize the doctor's license.
Do doctors smoke weed?
A study was conducted by NCBI which shows that a total of 41% (38–44%) of anesthesiologists and 20% (15–26%) of general practitioners have used cannabis at least once in their lifetimes.
In addition, 3% (2–3%) of anesthesiologists and 5% (3–6%) of general practitioners have tried marijuana within the past year.
According to studies conducted in North America and Europe, a significant portion of doctors and medical students (47 and 31%, respectively) have tried cannabis at least once in their lives; 13 and 25%, respectively, have done so in the past year; 10 and 10%, have done so in the past month; and 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively, have done so daily.
Can medical professionals legally use CBD oil?
Nurses or doctors are permitted to use hemp-derived CBD oil with a THC content of less than 0.3%. They cannot use Sativa based CBD oil because Stavia contains far more THC than other CBD products which will cause them to fail a drug test.
Where is marijuana legal in the U.S.?
As of October 2023, various states have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, including Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
When it comes to the conditions that cannabis can be prescribed for, the amount that can be sold, and the procedure for granting medical marijuana license, each jurisdiction has its own set of rules.
Do nursing and medical schools require drug tests?
As a nurse, you should be prepared to undergo drug testing, and these tests may begin earlier than you anticipate. A drug test might be administered to you as part of the application process for a school as well as at random points throughout your career.
Can a nurse or doctor with a green card or visa use marijuana?
Despite the fact that it is permitted by state law, doctors and nurses who have visas or green cards are not permitted to use marijuana as per federal immigration laws.
Federal regulations apply to non-US citizens which make the consumption of marijuana illegal for them , even for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
Whether using cannabis for medical purposes or recreational purposes, a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional cannot be impaired while doing their duties.
Cannabis or alcohol can both impair a doctor, putting patients' welfare at risk and subjecting them to disciplinary action. This punishment may be as severe as license revocation depending on the situation.
It is better to use your medical cannabis on your own time and be well aware of your employer's and state's policies regarding medical marijuana usage by professionals in the medical field.
