Doctors and nurses are always on the frontlines in the battle against sickness. However, we do often forget that even our healthcare heroes can get sick, requiring immediate care and medications including medical cannabis.
This is where this topic gets a little complex for most people and healthcare workers who may find themselves in similar situations. Marijuana, even if it’s used for its medical benefits is known for its psychoactive effects which can impact a person’s ability to perform efficiently under its influence.
So, can a doctor or a nurse operate under the influence of cannabis knowing that they are the strongest line of defense against sickness or injuries and even a brief moment of their negligence can cost someone their life?
Today, CertaMD is going to delve deep into this topic to get a definitive opinion on whether or not doctors and nurses can apply for a medical marijuana card and how it can impact the lives of their patients.
Medical marijuana card rules for doctors and nurses
Whether or not a doctor or a nurse can use medical marijuana completely depends upon the state of their residence/practice along with their work agreements with the state medical board. Although there are US states that do allow healthcare professionals to apply for and get a medical marijuana card, there is a lot of gray area here as Cannabis is still categorized as a Schedule I substance as per the US federal law. This means that even if cannabis is legal in one of the 50 US states, it is illegal to consume or possess under federal law.
For nurses in particular, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has collaborated with the state boards to outline operational guidelines for nurses having a valid medical marijuana card. As per these guidelines, nurses who reside within a US state that has legalized the use of medical marijuana can keep their medical marijuana cards as consuming medical marijuana for treatment of a medical condition doesn’t affect their ability to perform their duties. However, this is only valid as long as a nurse isn’t caught with THC in their system while on duty. In such a case, the state can take the necessary disciplinary actions.
Although there isn’t a certain medical board that has imposed such a policy the same guidelines usually apply to doctors as well. Doctors can follow the same procedure as anyone else and can apply for a medical marijuana card with the right to smoke recreational cannabis in US states where it is legal. However, doctors must not be on duty under the influence of cannabis. As THC metabolites cling to the fat cells within the body, you can still test positive for cannabis usage, even if you’re not under its influence.
A majority of hospitals in general have a very strict policy regarding the use of cannabis and being under its influence on duty as a doctor or a nurse. The state laws also leave this matter for the employer to deal with and maintain their status as a drug-free workplace. This can include measures like termination to be taken against the involved medical professionals.
How do other healthcare providers get a medical marijuana card?
Other healthcare providers or paramedical staff can apply for and obtain a medical marijuana card as per the legislative guidelines set by their state. Still, they would need to make sure that they are not under the influence of cannabis while on duty. A good rule of thumb is to use cannabis when you’re not on duty and make sure that it leaves your system by the time you’re back to work.
Remember, many medical schools and nursing programs often require drug tests as a part of the application process. Testing positive for THC can definitely impact your ability to enroll in a medical school program.
The impact of using CBD as a healthcare professional
Here at CertaMD, we sat down with our team of certified medical doctors to find an alternative to medical cannabis for doctors and nurses alike. Our team agreed that the hemp-driven cannabidiol (CBD) is the next best choice for on-duty doctors and nurses. CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC and can be legally used in all 50 US states. This means that even doctors and nurses can freely use CBD products.
However, CBD products do contain some amount of THC even if they are labeled as ‘THC-free’. This may result in a positive THC drug test. For those who want to stay completely away from THC, there are options like CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD.
Final Note
Yes, doctors and nurses can apply for a medical marijuana card depending upon the state of their residence/practice. However, doctors or nurses who are on duty under the influence of cannabis will have to face severe consequences such as termination. This means that healthcare professionals can either stay away from medical cannabis or will have to use cannabis products during their off-hours with no trace of THC in their system before getting back to work.
Related Topics
Can teachers have medical card?
Can you get a medical card at 18?
