Your Cart

Are Medical Marijuana Patients Exempt from Drug Tests?

The Basics of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is a natural medicine derived from the cannabis plant. This plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that affect the body and mind in various ways. The two primary cannabinoids in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have therapeutic benefits.

Medical marijuana is available in various forms, including:

  • Flower (the dried buds of the cannabis plant)
  • Edibles (food products infused with marijuana)
  • Tinctures (liquid extracts containing cannabinoids)
  • Topicals (lotions and balms infused with marijuana)
  • Concentrates (highly potent extracts of cannabinoids)

Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. In states where medical marijuana is legal, patients must obtain a doctor’s recommendation and a state-issued medical marijuana card to purchase and use medical marijuana legally.

The Legality of Drug Testing for Medical Marijuana Patients

Drug testing is a common practice in many workplaces, schools, and government agencies. Employers and other organizations use drug tests to screen for illegal drug use and ensure the safety of employees and the public. However, the legality of drug testing for medical marijuana patients is a complex issue.

In states where medical marijuana is legal, employers are generally not allowed to discriminate against employees or applicants who use medical marijuana. However, some states do allow employers to drug test employees and applicants for marijuana use, even if they have a valid medical marijuana card. In these states, medical marijuana patients may be protected from discrimination but can still fail a drug test and face consequences such as loss of employment or being denied a job.

Furthermore, even in states where drug testing for medical marijuana patients is illegal, there are exceptions. For example, federal employees and contractors are subject to drug testing, and the federal government still considers marijuana to be a Schedule I drug (meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse). This means that even if medical marijuana is legal in a particular state, federal employees and contractors who use medical marijuana can still face consequences for failing a drug test.

The Case of Brandon Coats

One high-profile case that highlights the complexities of drug testing for medical marijuana patients is that of Brandon Coats, a quadriplegic who used medical marijuana to manage his spasms and pain. Coats worked as a customer service representative for Dish Network, which had a strict drug-free workplace policy. In 2010, Coats tested positive for THC on a random drug test and was fired.

Coats sued Dish Network, arguing that he had been wrongfully terminated because he was a registered medical marijuana patient in Colorado. However, the Colorado Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Dish Network, stating that the state’s medical marijuana law did not protect employees from being fired for off-duty marijuana use.

This case illustrates the complexities of drug testing for medical marijuana patients, as well as the need for clearer laws and guidelines to protect patients’ rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legality of drug testing for medical marijuana patients is a complex issue that varies by state and industry. While some states have laws in place to protect medical marijuana patients from discrimination, patients can still face consequences for failing a drug test in certain situations. The case of Brandon Coats highlights the need for clearer laws and guidelines to protect patients’ rights and ensure that they can access the medicine they need without fear of losing their jobs or facing other consequences.

Leave a Reply
ON SALE PRODUCTS
TOP RATED PRODUCTS
CONTACT US
EMAIL: [email protected]

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTACT METHODS, GIVEAWAYS, REVIEWS, SUBSCRIBE & MORE