As marijuana becomes legal in more states, many people are wondering how it affects their jobs, especially in healthcare. For nurses, the question of whether they can use marijuana is more complicated than it might seem.
Even though some states have legalized recreational or medical marijuana, the rules for nurses can vary depending on where they work, their employer’s policies, and their state’s laws.
Nurses have a responsibility to provide safe, high-quality care to their patients. Because of this, marijuana use may raise concerns about how it impacts their ability to do their job.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the important things nurses need to know about marijuana use, including what the law says, how employers might handle it, and what it means for their careers.
Let’s dive into the details so nurses can make informed decisions and stay on the right side of the law and their profession.
Laws Regarding Cannabis Use for Nurses
Nurses, as licensed healthcare professionals, must navigate a complex legal landscape when it comes to marijuana use. Despite cannabis legalization in many states, its use in the medical field is subject to strict regulations.
Nurses must uphold high standards of patient safety, and marijuana use can jeopardize their nursing license and ability to perform job duties safely.
Federal vs. State Law
The legal framework surrounding cannabis use for nurses differs between state and federal government laws. While many states have legalized medical marijuana and recreational marijuana use, it remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, making it illegal for healthcare professionals, including nurses, to use marijuana.
This creates a conflict for nurses practicing in states where marijuana is legal. Federal level law prohibits marijuana use, and healthcare facilities operating under federal regulations, such as those receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding, often enforce drug-free workplace policies.
These employer drug policies can prohibit cannabis use among staff, even in states where marijuana is legal. Nurses should understand the potential risks of violating federal law, as it may jeopardize their nursing license or employment.
Can Nurses Smoke Weed?
The simple answer is no, for the most part. Even in states where cannabis use is legalized, nurses are prohibited from smoking weed while on duty or during working hours.
The primary concern is patient safety. Nurses must make critical decisions and provide safe, effective care, and cannabis consumption can impair judgment and reaction time.
Additionally, federal law still prohibits cannabis use, meaning nurses are held to higher professional standards. A failed drug screen testing for marijuana, even if it’s legal in the state, can result in disciplinary action by the nursing board and potentially lead to suspension or revocation of their nursing license.
Workplace Policy Implications
Healthcare facilities often have their own policies regarding drug use, including cannabis. Many hospitals and clinics enforce drug-free workplace policies that prohibit marijuana use, even if the nurse has a legal prescription. If a nurse tests positive for cannabis during a drug screen or pre-employment drug tests, their job may be at risk, even if their marijuana use is legal under state law.
Healthcare employers prioritize patient safety, and any substance that could impair a nurse’s ability to perform effectively, such as marijuana, may be prohibited, regardless of its legal status in the state.
Can Nurses Have Medical Weed Cards?
Nurses can legally obtain medical marijuana cards in states where cannabis is legalized. However, possessing a medical marijuana prescription doesn’t guarantee the ability to use it freely.
Nursing boards and employers may still enforce strict policies against marijuana use during working hours. Even with a prescription, nurses should consider the potential risks.
Marijuana use may impair performance and lead to disciplinary actions from their employer or the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
Can Nurses Use CBD Oil?
CBD oil, a non-psychoactive cannabis component, is marketed as a therapeutic product for conditions such as anxiety and pain relief. While CBD oil is legal in many states, its use by nurses still falls under scrutiny.
In most cases, CBD oil is permitted if it contains little to no THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana). However, CBD oil could still cause a positive drug test if it contains trace amounts of THC.
Nurses should consult their employers about workplace policies and restrictions on CBD use. A positive drug test for CBD oil may result in disciplinary action by the nursing board or employer.
Do Nurses Have to Pass Drug Tests?
Yes, nurses are generally required to pass drug tests as part of their employment and licensure requirements. Drug screening requirements are a standard practice in healthcare facilities to ensure staff are not impaired while caring for patients.
Nurses who fail a drug test due to marijuana use, whether legal or illegal, can face serious consequences, including suspension of their nursing license.
Even in states where cannabis is legal, nurses are held to the highest standards of care. Pre-employment drug tests and random drug tests are routine, and a positive result for marijuana can lead to disciplinary actions, including potential job loss.
10 Most Important Things Nurses Should Know About Smoking Weed
Employers’ Drug Policies May Still Ban Recreational Marijuana Use
Even though California legalized recreational marijuana use in 2016, and legal marijuana sales began in 2018, many employers, especially in healthcare, continue to uphold strict no-drug policies. Nurses must remain compliant with these workplace rules, even if marijuana use is permitted by state law.
Testing Positive for Marijuana Could Lead to License Suspension
If you test positive for marijuana during a drug screen test, especially after making an error while working, your nursing license could be at risk. The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) may take disciplinary actions, including suspension, if marijuana use is deemed to have impaired your performance.
DUI Charges Can Have Serious Consequences on Your License
Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after using marijuana doesn’t just affect your reputation—it can also jeopardize your nursing license. The BRN is likely to take action against your license if you’re convicted of a DUI related to marijuana use.
Refusing a Drug Test Can Lead to License Risks
Employers may request drug tests either randomly or due to performance concerns. If you refuse to take the test, it could raise suspicions and lead to serious consequences. Refusal is often interpreted as an indication of potential marijuana misuse, putting your professional standing in jeopardy.
The BRN May Investigate Your Actions If You Fail a Drug Test
If you fail a drug test and are involved in an error at work, the BRN may initiate an investigation to assess whether your marijuana use has compromised patient safety. This investigation could have long-lasting effects on your ability to practice nursing.
The BRN Takes Both Prescriptions and Marijuana Use Into Account
During any investigation into your nursing license, the BRN will review both prescribed and recreational marijuana usage. This includes evaluating how your marijuana consumption could potentially impact your professional conduct and the safety of your patients.
The BRN May Require Participation in a Diversion Program
If the BRN determines that your marijuana use has affected your ability to practice safely, they may require you to enroll in a diversion or rehabilitation program. This could mean temporarily stepping away from your nursing duties while you work on recovery.
Using Marijuana at Work or Arriving with Residue Can Lead to Immediate Consequences
Using marijuana on the job is a serious violation and can result in immediate disciplinary actions, including termination. Even if you’re no longer experiencing the effects, showing up to work with traces of marijuana on your person—such as the smell of cannabis, can trigger a drug test and put your nursing license in danger.
Key Takeaways for Nurses on Cannabis Use
Cannabis use remains a complex issue for nurses, requiring a clear understanding of federal laws, state regulations, and workplace drug policies. Nurses must weigh the risks of patient safety, legal consequences, and potential damage to their nursing license.
By staying informed and adhering to drug-free workplace policies, nurses can protect their careers and continue to prioritize quality patient care.
