Medical marijuana has now been legal in the State of Ohio for 6 years, and we hope recreational marijuana will be legalized soon too! There are currently almost 190,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Ohio.
To get your medical marijuana card, you need to see a registered physician who is licensed to recommend cannabis for medical purposes. But what about the physicians who approve you? Can they get their card?
Medical professionals have health problems, conditions, and symptoms just like their patients. They may also benefit from the use of cannabis, and technically, the answer is yes, medical professionals are usually allowed to get their card.
However, medical professionals are subject to much stricter guidelines than your average person, and there are some issues they should be aware of before applying for their medical card.
Nurses
There is no law in Ohio which prohibits nurses from obtaining a medical marijuana card. Ohio nurses may use cannabis for medicinal purposes IF
the nurse is not impaired while on the job,
they follow their employer’s drug policy,
they do not work for the federal government, and
they do not violate DUI or other drug criminal laws.
The biggest hurdle for nurses who wish to access medical marijuana is that most employers prohibit it, even though it is legal in Ohio. Employers have the right to demand a drug-free workplace for occupations with high stakes, such as a nurse.
Nurses can be terminated for medical marijuana use if their employee has a policy against it. Additionally, federal employees cannot use marijuana even if it is for medical purposes due to its federal illegality.
If you are a nurse and want your medical marijuana card, make sure your employer does not have any policy against it. If they don’t, you are in the clear, but just be sure you are not impaired while on the job. Also, make yourself aware of their drug testing policies.
Doctors
The rules are the same for doctors in Ohio. They may get their medical marijuana card IF
they do not practice medicine while impaired,
they follow their employer drug policies,
they do not violate DUI or other drug criminal laws, and
they do not work for the federal government.
The way the state treats marijuana for medical professionals is similar to the way they treat alcohol: as long as the physician or doctor is not impaired while on the job and it is not against their employer’s drug policies, they should be okay.
Doctors should make themselves aware of their employer’s drug policies and drug testing policies before getting their own medical marijuana card. If there is nothing explicitly stating it is not allowed, they will not get in any trouble unless they break the law in some way.
The biggest no-no is impairment while working, so doctors should be very careful about when they use their medical cannabis, and ensure that it is out of their system before heading into work.
Apply for Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
If you think medical marijuana could help you or your condition, what are you waiting for? It is currently easier than ever to get your medical marijuana card in the State of Ohio!
With your medical card, you may access any of Ohio’s many dispensaries throughout the state. Safe, natural relief is only a few steps away!
If you don’t already have your card, we can help! You can even have your appointment from the comfort of your own home and get your recommendation on the same day! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help 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.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.