Many people are reluctant to evolve with the times, especially when it comes to cannabis. In many cases, this is attributed to being uneducated on the advancements of cannabis research.
For some, it’s difficult to accept new information and to understand that medical cannabis is life-changing for the millions of people now prescribed marijuana.
It doesn’t stop there. Laws surrounding cannabis can be confusing to understand and interpret.
According to the FDA (Federal Drug Agency), marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1, illegal, and controlled substance. However, there are many states where residents can be prescribed cannabis from a doctor or physician. And in some states, residents can legally enjoy cannabis, recreationally.
If you have a condition or illness that’s treatable or helped by medical marijuana, using cannabis to address symptoms is within your rights. By understanding the rights you have as a cannabis prescription holder, it’ll be easier to protect your health and live your life.
Today, we’ll be discussing medical patient rights in the cannabis industry so you can enjoy a better-quality life while avoiding unnecessary troubles.
Medical Marijuana Patient Rights – Traveling
Using medical cannabis at home for symptom relief is one of life’s greatest conveniences, although, you may not always be home and might need to medicate while on the go.
It’s a rather straight-forward process; you closely follow the instructions given to you by your prescribing doctor, you receive your cannabis from an approved dispensary, and you brief fellow housemates on your medical needs and cannabis use.
While we’re a transient culture, we have the tendency to be on the move. For work or pleasure, or for visiting friends and family out of town, you may not always be home to use cannabis.
Being prescribed marijuana doesn’t mean you’re trapped or confined to home. You have the right to use your medicine when needed.
However, it’s a good idea to take precautions when traveling with cannabis, here are some:
Know your state’s possession laws: Regardless of the state you reside in, there is a law limiting the amount of cannabis you can carry with. If traveling within your county, you should have no issues, but you should always research possession limits for neighboring counties before venturing to other areas.
Don’t travel with cannabis plants: In most locations, transporting plants is strictly prohibited. It’s always safest to leave your plants in place and to only travel with the usable and consumable part of the plant.
Medical Cannabis Patients – Right to Work
While many employers have strictly-enforced prohibitions on consuming alcohol or showing up to the workplace under the influence, most don’t have policies in place for cannabis.
However, employers that conduct random drug tests are a bit trickier for medical marijuana patients.
Unlike alcohol, cannabis can stay in your system for several days and sometimes weeks after consumption. If you use cannabis on a Saturday night, it could still be easily detected the following Wednesday. Like some other aspects of cannabis use, the best approach is to not withhold your usage from your employer.
As a registered, medical marijuana prescription holder, it’s your state-given right to consume cannabis. But, at the same time, your employer also has the right to prohibit on-premises possession and off-site use.
Then, there’s the inquiry of residual consequences. If conducting random drug tests, your employer can and likely will learn of your cannabis use.
It’s best to educate your employer on your cannabis use and to inform them that you’re a medical marijuana cardholder. In many cases, educating your employer is an essential part of the overall process, even if it’s within your rights to consume.
It’s important to know that as a medical card holder, you don’t have the right to consume cannabis at work. However, in some cases, if you explain your situation to your employer and your need for cannabis, modifications may be possible. Your employer may be willing to make adjustments so your needs are met and productivity can be maximized.
In fact, there are some employers who actually may not mind employees using cannabis at the workplace. If not currently employed, it may be best to research local job openings at smaller, more compassionate places that may be more policy-flexible.
At the end of the day, your health and needs for treatment using cannabis should never interfere with your ability to go out and make a living.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Issues
Even though you’re a medical cardholder and are using the medication as administered and prescribed by your doctor, there are still legal troubles that could be faced. Because marijuana is still illegal in the eye of federal agencies, government views and regulations often conflict with cannabis-legalized states.
Even though marijuana use and possession may be legal in your state, the government may intervene and enforce consequences when they choose.
There are ways to safeguard your safety, including:
Abide by no-smoking rules: Keep in mind, cannabis smoked is treated no different or more leniently than that of cigarette smoke. You must respect the public and no-smoking zones. As you probably could guess, smoking isn’t permitted on school grounds, in public facilities, school buses, and in most other public areas. Familiarize yourself with smoking regulations in your community, avoid consuming cannabis in public areas, and do your best to mask any lingering smells (to avoid unnecessary attention).
It’s not your get-out-of-jail-free card: Even if you have your MMJ card, and even if you use it as prescribed, it’s never the greatest of ideas to advertise, flaunt, or brag of your use.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with using cannabis as prescribed, in some areas, marijuana is still controversial.
As such, if you give authorities a reason to, they can find a way to charge you with a violation if they choose.