List of Jobs You Can Get with a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington

Having a medical marijuana card in Washington can bring up a lot of questions about jobs. It can be confusing to know the rules. But some new and exciting changes are making things much clearer for people. For any patient, understanding the list of jobs you can get with a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington is key to building a successful career without worry. It helps you know what to expect when you're looking for work.

This guide will explain Washington's special new law in a very simple way. We will cover the new protections for job seekers, the jobs that are not covered, and all the great careers you can still have.

A Major Shift: Washington's New Law on Cannabis and Employment

In 2024, Washington started a brand-new law that changes everything for job seekers. This law, called SB 5123, is a very big deal. It stops most bosses from treating people unfairly for using cannabis when they are not at work.

This new rule is mainly about the hiring process. It helps protect you when you are applying for a job and have to take a drug test.

How This Affects Medical Patients

The law is for any adult who uses cannabis legally, but it is a huge help for medical patients. Before this law, medical patients in Washington didn't have many protections for their jobs. Now, things are much better.

This new rule gives you some important protections when you're looking for a job.

• A boss usually can't decide not to hire you just because you test positive for cannabis.

• This rule applies to cannabis use that you do on your own time, away from work.

• It helps make things fair for patients who are treating different health conditions.

Key Exceptions: When Do These Protections Not Apply?

This new law is great, but it does not cover every single job in Washington. It is very important to know when the rules are different. This helps you know what to expect.

Let's look at the main types of jobs that are not covered by this new protection.

Safety-Sensitive Positions

Some jobs are called "safety-sensitive." This means that being even a little bit impaired could cause a serious accident. For these jobs, safety is the number one priority.

The new law does not apply to these kinds of jobs. Here are some examples:

• Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

• Any job where you need to carry a gun.

• People who work for airlines or build airplanes.

• Truck drivers and other commercial drivers.

• Any job where the boss decides that being impaired would be a big safety risk.

Federal Government and Contracts

The other big exception is for jobs that are tied to the U.S. government. Even though cannabis is legal in Washington state, it is still illegal under federal law.

This means the new Washington law does not apply to jobs that need a federal background check or a special security clearance. It also doesn't cover jobs that have to follow federal rules, like those from the Department of Transportation.

So, What Is the List of Jobs You Can Get with a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington?

Now, let's talk about all the jobs that you can get! Even with the exceptions, there are thousands of great career options available to you.

Meet 'David,' a software developer from Seattle. He was a medical patient concerned about pre-employment drug screening. The new 2024 law gave him the confidence to apply for non-safety-sensitive tech roles without fear of his off-duty cannabis use disqualifying him. Exploring the list of jobs you can get with a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington shows just how many doors are open.

Thriving in Washington's Cannabis Industry

A great place for many patients to work is in the cannabis industry itself. You already know about the benefits of cannabis, so you can use that knowledge to help others. This is a welcoming place for people who are passionate about the plant.

Here are just a few of the jobs you can find in this growing field:

• Budtender ("Cannabis Consultant"): You can help guide customers and patients to the right products.

• Master Grower/Cultivator: If you have a green thumb, you can help manage the whole growing process.

• Extraction Artist: This is a cool, science-based job where you create cannabis oils and other items.

• Cannabis Marketer/Social Media Manager: You can help a cannabis business connect with its community.

• Compliance Specialist: You can help make sure the business is following all the important state rules.

Careers Protected Under the New Law

Thanks to the new law, finding a job outside of the cannabis industry is easier than ever. So many jobs are now much safer for patients to apply for.

You can find great careers in many different fields. Here are some examples of protected jobs:

• Most office jobs and administrative work.

• Technology and software development.

• Creative jobs like writing, art, and design.

• Jobs in retail stores (that are not safety-sensitive).

• Work in hotels and restaurants.

Securing your career confidence begins with legally addressing your health needs.

Tips for Navigating the Washington Job Market

Knowing the law is a great first step. Now, you can use that knowledge to find a job with confidence. Here are a few simple tips to make your job search go smoothly.

• Identify Safety-Sensitive Roles: Read the job description very carefully. If you see words like "safety-sensitive" or "federal contract," you know the rules might be different for that job.

• Understand Workplace Policies: Remember, the new law is about hiring. A company can still have a rule against being impaired while you are at work. Never use cannabis right before or during your shift.

• Prioritize Professionalism: At the end of the day, bosses want to hire good workers. Focus on your skills, be on time, and do a great job. Your hard work is what will really matter.

• Become a Recognized Patient: The best first step is to become an official medical cannabis patient. Consulting with Kif's Doctors to get your medical marijuana card is the foundation for managing your health as you look for a job.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Your Career in Washington

The new law in Washington is a huge step forward for job applicants, including medical cannabis patients. It makes finding a job much less stressful. You can now focus more on your skills and less on worrying about an old drug test.

While there are still some jobs with stricter rules, the future is bright for most careers. You do not have to choose between your health and your job.

Knowing the list of jobs you can get with a medical marijuana card in Washington and the new legal landscape can empower you to find a fulfilling career.

If you have any more questions about becoming a patient, please contact our knowledgeable team. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Sources:

• Washington State Legislature (Text of SB 5123 - the new employment law): https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5123-S.SL.pdf
• Washington State Department of Health - Medical Cannabis Program: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/cannabis/medical-cannabis

Elvera Sauceda

Elvera Sauceda is a writer, researcher, and editor with a decade of experience covering natural medicine and holistic wellness, including the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Passionate about empowering readers to take control of their health, she focuses on providing informative, evidence-based insights into plant-based healing. When she’s not writing, Elvera enjoys gardening, exploring herbal remedies, and supporting wellness initiatives in her local community.