can doctors and nurses have medical marijuana cards with an image of a doctor or nurse handing a patient a vial of cannabis oil

If you’re a medical professional, doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse, there’s a good chance you make cannabis recommendations to your patients. You likely play a crucial role in connecting millions of patients nationwide to cannabis medicine as gatekeepers for medical marijuana use. But what are your options regarding medical marijuana use as the best treatment option for you? Can nurses have medical marijuana cards? What about doctors and other medical professionals? Read on to find out! 

Can Nurses Have Medical Marijuana Cards? 

In short, it’s a gray area. There’s no law in place saying that medical professionals including doctors and nurses can’t have a medical card, but to keep their licenses (and their jobs!), they can’t have any THC in their system. Even though doctors and nurses can have medical marijuana cards, they face unique risks related to their profession that do not apply to the average user. 

For starters, doctors and nurses may be able to obtain a medical marijuana card, but it is subject to state laws and agreements with the state medical board. Since cannabis is still a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, the regulations governing their eligibility depend on the state laws where they reside and work and their agreements with the state medical board.

For nurses, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has provided guidance for cardholders in the medical field. In states where medical marijuana is legal, registered nurses can obtain a medical card but must not let it interfere with their work. The state board could take disciplinary action if a nurse is found with THC in their system while on duty. The same goes for doctors and other medical professionals— it could lead to losing your license to practice or getting fired from your job. 

Similarly, doctors can receive recommendations from their physicians for cannabis use and use recreational marijuana in states where it is legal. However, doctors cannot use marijuana while on duty due to the need to maintain a standard of care that is free of impairment from cannabis or other substances. 

Medical Professionals and THC at the Workplace  

Most states leave it to the employer to enforce a drug-free workplace policy, and violating this policy can lead to termination even if the individual holds a medical marijuana card. Some states have introduced legislation protecting medical cannabis users in the workplace, but these laws are not yet widespread.

Hospitals typically have strict drug testing policies, and violating them could result in job loss. While some states, like California, do not have a medical board policy on a doctor’s or nurse’s use of cannabis, disciplinary action can still be taken if they are impaired while on the job.

At the end of the day, while doctors and nurses can technically have a medical marijuana card, medical marijuana cannot interfere with their work. Medical professionals can face disciplinary action if they get caught with THC in their system. It can be challenging to use medical marijuana since THC can remain detectable in the body for days after use. That said, it may be best for medical professionals to avoid THC altogether. 

Can other healthcare providers get a medical marijuana card? 

Healthcare providers are generally eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card for personal use, but they must adhere to workplace drug testing policies. It is advisable only to use cannabis when not working and ensure it has cleared from their system before returning to work.

Medical schools and nursing programs often require drug testing during the admission process and throughout the program due to the practical training involved in their education. Many students are subjected to urine drug screening in accordance with the affiliated healthcare regulatory requirements. Testing positive for THC use can affect a student’s eligibility to enroll and participate in a medical school program.

Can Doctors and Nurses Use CBD? 

CBD is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis that doesn’t make people high. Still, it’s thought to offer a handful of therapeutic effects that may be able to help doctors and nurses manage stress or sore muscles and joints from being on the go all day at the hospital. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products with less than 0.3% THC in all 50 states. Nurses and doctors can use THC-free oils or products that meet federal legal standards.

However, it’s important to note that some CBD products may still contain trace amounts of THC, even if they are labeled as THC-free. Always check the certificate of analysis on hemp products to ensure no THC is in the mix, and opt for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate to rule out THC. If a doctor or nurse uses a CBD oil product that contains THC, there is a risk of testing positive for THC, which could lead to disciplinary action or termination, depending on the employer’s policies.

Therefore, doctors and nurses must carefully research any CBD product they consume. Although most CBD products claim to contain less than 0.3% THC, it’s crucial to read labels, examine lab test results, and compare different batch tests to ensure their accuracy. Those wishing to avoid THC can try CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD products. It’s essential to ensure that your product is guaranteed free of THC so you don’t fail a drug test at work. 

Final Thoughts: Can Nurses Have Medical Marijuana Cards? 

In summary, medical professionals are eligible to obtain medical marijuana cards but take caution due to the ambiguous nature of the rules. Doctors and nurses with a medical card must take care to ensure that THC has left their system before returning to work.

Most medical workplaces and hospitals have specific regulations regarding medical marijuana use and employment. If a healthcare provider is under the influence while working, their medical license may be revoked.

Licensed healthcare professionals are advised to review their employer’s policies on medical marijuana before obtaining a card and ensure that they are free of any impairment before returning to work.

At the end of the day, whether you’re a medical professional or not, medical marijuana may be able to help you if you have a qualifying condition as long as you use it responsibly. To participate in the medical cannabis program in Maryland, New York, or Virginia, schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate medical marijuana doctors online at Natural Green Healing.

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