Since 4/20 is coming up...

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alexlikesbeer

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For those that work in Colorado and Washington where marijuana has been legalized by the state, what is the policy on drug testing?
 
alexlikesbeer said:
For those that work in Colorado and Washington where marijuana has been legalized by the state, what is the policy on drug testing?
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I would most likely depend on the service. There are other threads here discussing this topic. I wouldn't be suprised if it is tested for and would exclude you from working.
 
Where I worked in CO, the law change had no effect on our drug policy. State law is one thing, hospital and company SOP is another. By working for a service, you agree to follow their job requirements. They can choose to say things like "No tobacco use on duty or in uniform" or "A violation of federal drug laws remains a violation under the eyes of this company." All services I know of in Colorado still allow firing based on a positive drug test with THC present in the symptom.
 
chaz90 said:
Where I worked in CO, the law change had no effect on our drug policy. State law is one thing, hospital and company SOP is another. By working for a service, you agree to follow their job requirements. They can choose to say things like "No tobacco use on duty or in uniform" or "A violation of federal drug laws remains a violation under the eyes of this company." All services I know of in Colorado still allow firing based on a positive drug test with THC present in the symptom.
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gotcha, that's what i figured, but just wanted to make sure.
 
Just because the state legalizes something doesn't mean your employer has to allow it.

For example, smoking cigarettes is completely legal but if a Boston firefighter is caught smoking they can lose their job.
 
Doesn't matter what your state says, your MD has a DEA license number, thus they're subject to federal laws and regulations. Last time I checked marijuana was still illegal federally so even if your state says you can smoke it, you can and will lost your job if you fail a drug test.

If I was an MD extending my license to paramedics and EMTs at an agency they'd be gone in a heartbeat if they got caught smoking and/or failed a drug test. Not worth me losing my license so you can have fun in your off time, sorry.

Don't take this as me being an angry redneck republican that hates "pot heads". I have no issues with it, I personally think it should be legal and they should use it as a source of income. It's a lot safer than alcohol that's for sure.
 
On 4/20, we will be stocking the paramedic units with cookie dough preloads and 1000 bags of Doritos.

"Munchies" will be a Delta call.
 
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In all seriousness It's Cannabis, as long as no teens take K2 I'd say it'll be a pretty normal day.
 
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Many insurers also do not cover you if you may be "altered:"
 
I think the OP was saying more along the lines of smoking on your own time, not while or immediately before your shift. That would be when the altered and DUI stuff comes into play.


I'm a deputy in one of the above listed states, and my sheriff says while smoking is now legal, you'll be fired if you fail a drug test. And rightfully so..
 
I'm no lawyer, but I'd hazzard a guess and say that I am 99.9% sure that showing up to work and testing positive will equal termination, but maybe a daring CO or WA EMT would like to give it a go and report back.

Hmmm. Didn't think so.
 
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