Drug Testing and Medical Marijuana

 

Marijuana is now legal in many states for both recreational and medical use, but this doesn’t always mean that marijuana is accepted in all workplaces. This has caused a lot of confusion among employers and employees.

If you are using marijuana for medical reasons, you may be wondering if you will still be able to pass a drug test. In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about drug testing and medical marijuana!

Who Needs Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disorders

If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions by a medical professional, then you may be eligible for a medical marijuana prescription.

How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription?

The process for getting a medical marijuana prescription varies from state to state. In some states, you will need to get a recommendation from your doctor. In other states, you will need to register with the state’s medical marijuana program.

Because these requirements are constantly updating as marijuana laws evolve, it's best to check for current information about medical marijuana regulations in your state of residence.

Does Marijuana Show Up on Drug Tests? 

Marijuana can stay in your system for up to 30 days, so if you are a frequent user, it is likely that it will show up on a drug test. However, there is no way to know for sure how long marijuana will stay in your system. This is because everyone metabolizes drugs differently.

For most people, marijuana will be out of their system within a week or two. But there are many different types of drug tests, and one of the most common is the urine drug test. This test can detect THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC can stay in your system for up to 30 days. So if you are concerned about passing a drug test, it is best to abstain from using marijuana for at least a month before the test.

There are also forms of drug testing that check for the presence of marijuana in your hair. Hair tests are less common, but they can detect marijuana use for up to 90 days after use.

Of course, if you are utilizing marijuana medically, abstaining may not be a possibility, especially for a long span of time. In this case, it is best to speak to an HR representative to understand the policies around medical prescriptions and drug testing in your workplace.

Specifically, if you are required to take a drug test for your job, you should check with your employer to see if they allow medical marijuana use. Some employers may have policies in place that allow employees to use medical marijuana, while others may not.

Who Is Required to Get a Drug Test?

There are a few different scenarios in which an employer may require an employee to take a drug test. The most common is if the employee is applying for a job that requires them to take a drug test. For example, many jobs in the transportation industry require employees to take drug tests.

Other times, an employer may require an employee to take a drug test if there is reason to believe that the employee is using drugs. For example, if an employee appears to be under the influence of drugs while at work, their employer may require them to take a drug test.

What Should You Do If You’re Being Tested and Have a Medical Marijuana Prescription?

As mentioned previously, if you are being tested for drugs and have a medical marijuana prescription, the best thing to do is to check with your employer to see if they have any policies in place regarding medical marijuana use. Some employers may allow employees to use medical marijuana, while others may not.

If you speak to your HR department confidentially, inquiring about these policies should not raise any red flags. If you do believe that unfair action has been taken against you in response to an inquiry about medical marijuana, seek legal advice about workplace retribution.

If you are using medical marijuana and are subject to a drug test, there is a chance that you will fail the test. However, it is important to remember that failing a drug test does not necessarily mean that you will lose your job.

Many employers have policies in place that allow employees who fail drug tests to appeal the decision or provide evidence of a valid medical marijuana prescription. Just be sure to keep any important documentation related to your prescription, so you can provide this evidence if necessary.

Can You Use Medical Marijuana While at Work?

This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on your workplace and state laws. In general, it is probably not a good idea to use medical marijuana while at work. This is because most workplaces have policies against employees being under the influence of drugs while at work.

If you are unable to work without using medical marijuana, holding down a job may not be feasible, and you may need to explore disability compensation options in your area.

Get More Drug Testing Answers from Countrywide

Are you concerned about drug testing and want a discreet, at-home way to check whether your medical marijuana use will set off tests at work? Or perhaps you're an employer looking for affordable and reliable testing options for your workforce. Whatever your drug testing needs, Countrywide can help.

Countrywide Testing is an online retailer providing you with easy access to drug tests and pharmacogenetic testing. We offer an array of products for testing at home, individuals staying clean after rehab, workplace testing, healthcare emergencies, and law enforcement purposes. These include multiple options for marijuana and THC testing.

Our test kits are convenient, affordable, and ship to you quickly. Plus, our lab is accredited by SAMHSA, so you can rest assured your test results are handled in accordance with the highest industry standards.

Have more questions about medical marijuana, drug testing, or Countrywide's testing solutions? Just contact our team today.