Can I Have Commercial Driving License (CDL) and Medical Card Together

Can I Have Commercial Driving License (CDL) and Medical Card Together?

Around 38 US states have an active medical marijuana program that allows eligible patients to possess and consume medical marijuana with a valid medical marijuana card. In order to get a medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition and have some state ID to submit with your application. This means that as long as these general conditions are met, anyone can apply for a medical marijuana card, right?   Unfortunately, the answer is no. Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance as per the US federal laws. Although a medical marijuana card does provide you legal protection and immunity for consuming and possessing cannabis within the borders of a state. But there are certain licenses and professions that fall under the supervision of the US federal laws and having a medical marijuana card marks you ineligible for them.   The Commercial Driving License (CDL) is one such license as it is directly regulated by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Still, there is a lot of gray area when it comes to whether or not you can have a CDL and a medical marijuana card at the same time due to the ever-expanding medical marijuana laws across the US states.   Today, CertaMD answers whether or not you can have a CDL and a medical marijuana card at the same time through this extensive guide. 

This is why you shouldn’t be driving a CMV with a medical marijuana card

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers go through rigorous and frequent drug tests pre-employment, during employment, and post-accidents as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Even though many US states have legalized the use of medical cannabis, a positive drug test can’t be justified by a medical marijuana card as per the DOT. Driving under the influence of cannabis, alcohol, or any other similar drug is a criminal offense across the US.   Also, as a CMV driver, you’ll be driving across the states, and having a medical marijuana card from your parent state is not enough to exercise your rights as a medical marijuana patient in other US states. Not all US states with an active medical marijuana program have reciprocity agreements with other states regarding this matter.

Are there any exceptions for anyone?

At the moment, there are no exceptions for anyone in this matter. You can’t have a CDL and a medical marijuana card at the same time. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a very strict stance on this matter as frequent drug tests are mandatory for drivers having a CDL. Failing a drug test and presenting a medical marijuana card as the reason is not acceptable by the DOT.   Although medical marijuana laws are changing across various US states, the DOT is more concerned with the safety on the roads. A CMV driver using medical cannabis will have impaired vision and compromised cognitive/motor skills which can definitely put a lot of lives at risk.

Choosing between your CDL and medical marijuana card

Now that it is clear that you can’t have a CDL and a medical marijuana card at the same time, you have a choice to make. Either keep your CDL or your medical marijuana card. But when should you be choosing one over the other?   A CDL allows you to drive CMVs as a profession, probably the primary way of earning bread for you and your family. However, driving a CMV is a very demanding job and you need to be of sound mental and physical health in order to bear the long hours on the road.   On the opposite end, a medical marijuana card allows you to consume medical cannabis for a medical condition that is long-term, and traditional medications don’t have any beneficial effect on it. Keeping your medical marijuana card instead of a CDL makes obvious sense as you do need to have sound health in order to endure the long and tiring work hours of a CMV driver.

Final Note

The answer is no, you can’t have a CDL and a medical marijuana card at the same time as the Department of Transportation (DOT) has a very strict policy on drug use and its impacts on CMV drivers. It’s up to you to decide if you want to keep your CDL or maintain your status as a registered medical marijuana patient.

FAQs

Can CMV drivers use medical marijuana with a state-issued card?

No, the Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits CMV drivers from using medical marijuana, regardless of state-issued cards.

What happens if a CMV driver tests positive for cannabis?

A positive drug test for cannabis can lead to disqualification from driving a CMV, even if the driver has a medical marijuana card.

Are CMV drivers subject to drug tests?

Yes, CMV drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug tests as mandated by the DOT.

Is driving under the influence of cannabis allowed for CMV drivers?

No, driving under the influence of cannabis is a criminal offense for CMV drivers across the US.

Does a medical marijuana card protect CMV drivers in other states?

No, medical marijuana cards may not be recognized in other states, and reciprocity agreements vary.

Alana Seppelt

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical disclaimer

The information on this CertaMD page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

All medical marijuana evaluations and recommendations through CertaMD are performed exclusively by licensed U.S. healthcare providers using secure telemedicine technology, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

Always speak with a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, changing existing medications, or starting any new treatment, including medical cannabis.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual results and treatment response

Medical cannabis does not work the same way for every patient. Symptom relief can depend on factors such as the type of product (THC/CBD ratio, route of administration), dose, frequency of use, underlying medical conditions, concurrent medications, and lifestyle variables like diet, stress, and sleep.

Because response and tolerability vary, ongoing follow-up with your CertaMD provider is important to review benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust your treatment plan safely over time.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible risks and side effects

Like any therapeutic option, medical marijuana can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, red or irritated eyes, increased appetite, headache, and temporary problems with attention, concentration, or short-term memory.

Some patients, especially with higher-THC products, may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, worsened mood, or perceptual changes; in rare cases, serious effects such as psychosis, significant mood changes, heart rhythm disturbances, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurrent nausea and vomiting) have been reported. If you notice severe, unexpected, or persistent symptoms, stop using cannabis and contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care.

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal and regulatory notice

Medical marijuana programs are created and regulated at the state level, and eligibility, product access, and telemedicine rules vary by jurisdiction. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and clinicians typically “recommend” or “certify” medical cannabis use rather than prescribe it in the traditional sense.

Some states require an initial in-person visit before medical cannabis certification, while others allow both initial and renewal evaluations via telehealth; CertaMD operates within the specific requirements of each state it serves.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act

Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product quality, sourcing, and safety

For your safety, use only medical cannabis products obtained from licensed, state-regulated dispensaries that perform appropriate laboratory testing for potency and contaminants. Unregulated or illicit products may contain pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, which can increase health risks and lead to unpredictable effects.

Ask your CertaMD clinician or dispensary pharmacist about product selection, dosing, onset and duration of effects, and how to store products safely away from children and pets.

Source: FDA – What to Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting adverse events and safety concerns

If you experience serious or unexpected side effects while using medical cannabis, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency care when appropriate.

Patients and caregivers in the United States can also report adverse events and product problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by phone at
1-800-FDA-1088, which helps regulators monitor safety trends and protect public health.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

See how much you could save with a medical card

Note that this is an estimate of savings and does not constitute a guarantee. Additional taxes in your area or recent changes in local laws may affect these rates. Please verify current regulations in your state.

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