Medical professionals are thought to be the gatekeepers of medical marijuana, since patients must consult with them in order to get their medical marijuana cards. But doctors and nurses have medical issues too!
So can they get their medical marijuana card? Technically, the answer is yes in any state with a medical marijuana program, but it is a bit of a gray area. In the case that they do use marijuana, medical professionals have strict rules to follow to make sure their medicine does not interfere with their work.
Nurses
For nurses in Louisiana, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has an outline with certain regulations for medical marijuana patients who work in the medical field. Basically, the bottom line is that their use of medical marijuana cannot interfere with their work.
The biggest rule to keep in mind for nurses is that if they are caught with THC in their system, it is possible for the state board to seek disciplinary action against them.
Hours or even days after you use marijuana, you could still have THC in your system. It depends on the type of drug test administered, when you last used THC, how frequent you use it, and how much you used. Even if you are not impaired, you can still test positive for THC, so this is a very gray area.
If you are a nurse with your medical card, make sure you allow enough time for THC to exit your system before your next shift, and definitely do not go to work if you are impaired at all.
Doctors
The guidelines for doctors with their medical marijuana card are basically the same as the rules for nurses. Doctors cannot use cannabis while they are on call or at work and must be free from any impairment while they are working. The same goes for alcohol and other drugs as well.
Although there is no law against doctors or nurses getting their medical marijuana card, many hospitals and workplaces have specific rules against it. Many hospitals have zero-tolerance drug policies and drug test their employees regularly.
If you are a medical professional found with THC in your system and your employer has specific rules against this, you could lose your job. And if you are found impaired on the job, you could even lose your medical license.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana does not have any laws in place regarding medical professionals getting their medical card, but it is mostly left up to employers. Most hospitals have strict policies against drug use and enforce them with mandatory drug tests.
Medical professionals can get their medical cards in Louisiana, but it is important to ensure your system is clear of THC before going back to work and most importantly that you are not impaired while on the job.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
In Louisiana, you must have your medical marijuana card in order to gain access to cannabis dispensaries throughout the state. If you don’t already have yours, we can help!
Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think cannabis could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?
Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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