Medical professionals are commonly seen as the gatekeepers for medical marijuana, and rightly so. In the State of Virginia, you need to see a licensed physician in order to obtain a medical marijuana card of your own.
Doctors and nurses get sick too, and they can also have a condition that would qualify for a medical marijuana card. Medical professionals are typically allowed to get their own medical marijuana card, but there are many strict rules they must adhere to that don’t apply to laypersons.
Medical Marijuana Cards for Medical Professionals
Medical professionals having a medical marijuana card can be seen as somewhat of a gray area. The rules depend on their state’s laws as well as their agreements with their state’s medical board.
The NCSBN, or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, outlines guidelines for nurses who have their medical marijuana card. To sum it up, nurses can get their medical card, but it cannot interfere with their work whatsoever.
Any medical professional could face disciplinary action if they are found working with THC in their system. Even if you have not used THC in days, you can still test positive for THC, so this can be tricky.
Doctors may not, under any circumstances, use cannabis while they are working and must be free from any impairment. It is not uncommon for hospitals to enforce zero tolerance policies which entail the loss of employment for a medical professional upon a positive test for THC.
Since this is still a gray area, many states leave it up to employers such as doctors offices and hospitals to enforce rules about medical marijuana and the workplace.
How Do Medical Professionals Get Their Medical Marijuana Card
If a doctor or nurse wants or already has their medical marijuana card, the best rule of thumb to adhere to is to ensure that their medicine is out of their system by the time they return to work, just to be safe.
It is not uncommon for medical schools or programs to require standard drug testing throughout the duration of their courses. If a student enrolled in one of these programs tests positive for THC, it could impact their enrollment in the program.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, medical professionals can get their medical marijuana cards. However, since it is such a gray area, doctors or nurses with their card should be careful and make sure the THC is out of their system prior to returning to work.
Most hospitals and medical workplaces have their own specific rules in place regarding medical marijuana and employment. Sometimes, if a person is found intoxicated while working as a healthcare provider, they may be subject to the revocation of their medical license.
If you are a licensed healthcare professional, the smartest thing to do is familiarize yourself with your employer’s regulations on medical marijuana before getting your card. Make sure you are free of any impairment before you go back to work.
Try Medical Marijuana Today
Regardless of occupation, marijuana could help you if you have a qualifying condition in the State of Virginia. If you don’t already have your card, or have any questions, we can help!
It is now easier than ever to get your medical marijuana card in Virginia, and more dispensaries are opening up to make access to medicine even easier.
In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
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At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
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education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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