.png)
In the State of Missouri, you need to consult with a licensed physician in order to get a recommendation for medical marijuana. But what about physicians and medical professionals?
Doctors and nurses have health problems too! Many of them also have a condition that would make them eligible for their medical card. So, can medical professionals get their own medical marijuana cards?
Technically, it is a gray area and there is no right answer to this question, but there is no law in Missouri that would prevent medical professionals from getting their card. So yes, medical professionals can get their medical card in Missouri, but there are risks involved and things to be aware of.
Nurses
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has come up with rules for medical professionals with medical marijuana cards. Technically, registered nurses can get their cards if they are in a medical marijuana state.
However, their medicine cannot, in any way, interfere with their work. A state board could bring upon disciplinary action against a nurse if they are caught with THC in their system while they are working.
This is tricky to work around, since marijuana can stay in your system for a period of time after you use it. It depends on the type of drug test you are given, how much you eat, how much cannabis you consumed, how frequent you use it, and more.
If you want your medical marijuana card as a nurse, be sure the THC is completely out of your system before returning to work.
Most workplaces for nurses (especially hospitals) have strict zero tolerance drug policies in which their employees must submit to mandatory drug tests every so often. If your employer mandates a drug-free workplace, you should not take the chance of getting your medical card.
Doctors
For doctors, the guidelines are basically the same. Technically, doctors can get their medical marijuana cards if their state allows it, and there are no explicit laws against it. However, there are very strict rules for doctors as well.
Doctors cannot, under any circumstances, use marijuana while on duty because they must be completely free from any impairment under any substance. People can test positive for THC for days or sometimes weeks after use, depending on many factors.
Many states basically leave enforcement up to employers, so if you are a nurse or doctor, you should check with your employer to see what their policies for drug use and medical marijuana in general are.
Medical School
Many medical school and nursing programs have protocols in place which require drug-testing for students throughout the program. Most commonly, these will be urine tests, and testing positive for THC could get you kicked out of your program.
The Bottom Line
There is no explicit law against medical professionals getting their medical marijuana card. However, it is best to double check with your employer about any drug-enforcement or tolerance policies, and ask specifically about medical marijuana.
The best rule of thumb if you are a medical professional who wants their medical card is to make sure the THC leaves your system completely before returning back to work.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Even though marijuana is now legal in Missouri, you should still get your medical marijuana card. Medical cannabis will pay less in taxes for their product, and the standards for medical marijuana are much higher than that of recreational.
If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. During your evaluation, they will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.
Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online by giving us a call at
(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission 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.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri 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 Missouri!