We fail medical marijuana as a Federal Contractor with Drug Free Workplace Policy; present in urine above cutoffs in policy without legitimate medical explanation and by policy we only consider a prescription that was filled (before the collection) in a licensed pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS  for say Marinol as a legitimate medical explanation per our policy. Same approach with recreational as CA has that law going into effect i/1/18; same in Mass. where I know U Mass Memorial has same approach.

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

 

Our state passed a medical marijuana bill this year for persons with specific disorders such as epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimers, etc.  The legislature is still finalizing the specifics, but we are meeting this month to discuss how we will manage an employee who has a medical marijuana card.    Because federal law still considers marijuana illegal and our hospital must comply with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, I assume we will continue with not allowing marijuana utilization as an active employee.   We are considering allowing employees to take medical leave or FMLA while utilizing medical marijuana, but  most employees who are working will be taking it for seizures or chronic pain and will probably be prescribed to use it long term.  

 

Any advice from other states where medical marijuana is used?   Thank you.  

 

JoAnn Shea, ARNP, MS, COHN-S

Director, Employee Health & Wellness

Work: 813-844-7692    Cell:  813-789-3441    FAX;  813-844-8144    Email:  jshea@tgh.org