Question:
Can I still become a doctor if I have smoked legal (in washington) marijuana?
?
2013-05-08 12:30:39 UTC
I am 20 and have been trying to study for my MCAT to get into medical school. I have the grades to get in. I went through a phase where I smoke weed every weekend for a month. But it is legal here in washington. Would this keep me from becoming a doctor? In the interview, will they ask me if I have and will it make a difference?
Five answers:
Simpson G.
2013-05-08 14:01:53 UTC
Legality of the drug doesn't matter if your employer or school considers it a prohibited substance. It doesn't matter if you smoked it in WA, in CO, in Amsterdam, International waters, on the moon, with a card, with an Rx, in a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox, etc.



If you flunk a drug test, the Supreme Court says you can be terminated on the spot.



However, WA and CO may become interesting test cases for things like hair testing. If your pee or blood test is clean, will it still be legal to fire you for using a legal substance if you are not coming to work under the influence? If your contract is silent on whether or not the drug is permitted if used in a legal fashion while NEVER testing positive at work/school, it could be legal, but I don't know case law. It will probably be similar to alcohol where you can use it, but you better not have a drop of it in any pee or urine test while on the job.



But, all that being said, employers in health care don't like hiring drug addicts. They are unreliable and a liability.



If a school did ask, it might be about illegal drug use or abuse of legal drugs. In which case, you are clear on one, but possibly not on the other. Once you get to student rotations, plan on drug tests. Not saying it will happen, but if you plan for it, you won't be surprised when it does.
Pooky™
2013-05-08 19:47:24 UTC
Legal or not, most employers will do drug has on you and no matter if you have a medical card, or not, if the test is positive, they can fire you. The Supreme Court has sided with employers about this.



Personally I am not against nor for marijuana – but as a nurse, I do not want to work with anyone who comes to work stoned.
mildred f
2013-05-09 00:36:20 UTC
You need to understand that you don't discuss your entire life with some people. This applies to your whole life. Decide who really needs to know and what the repercussions would be. Would expect you can pass a dug screen if that is required. You do not need to bring this up, you know.
anonymous
2013-05-08 19:32:49 UTC
If its prescription, and they ask have you ever done drugs. Just say nothing that wasn't prescribed in the correct dosages.



MaryJ doesn't sit in your system a long time and 1 month of smoking isn't going to cause any long term damage to you.
Caren
2013-05-08 19:38:08 UTC
i never had anyone interview me and ask me if I did drugs.


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