[MCOH-EH] MCOH-EH Digest, Vol 257, Issue 36 Marijuana

[Rudnick, Howard L]

We no longer include THC in our pre-employment drug screen.  We continue to include THC in our for cause drug testing.  Although marijuana is not tet legal in Pennsylvania for recreational use, I feel that it is inevitable to become legal if only for the potential to raise tax revenue.

We treat marijuana in the same way that we treat the use of legally prescribed controlled substances.  It is legal to use them but not acceptable to be impaired.  If an individual is evaluated for cause we do include THC in the drug screen.   Most of all, we attempt to review the totality of the circumstances to assess if they are or are not impaired.  I believe this is the most prudent course.

Howard L. Rudnick, MD,MHA,FACP
Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Department of Medicine
Medical Director, Occupational Health Services
Temple University Health System
Office:  (215) 707-3026
Cell:  (267) 838-7040


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