Since I've been prescribed medicinal marijuana, is my truck driver job in danger?

SSgt Kevin OBrien — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:53:34 -0400

Was notified yesterday to have a CDL medical test because I sometimes drive a 14’ truck for my job. I just started two weeks ago and I’m freaking out. I’m prescribed medical marijuana and smoke at night for my back and PTSD. How screwed am I? Anything I can do? Or just start looking for a new job?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 10 at 2019 1:55 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:55:58 -0400

Do you have an actual prescription?

Response by LT R B made Apr 10 at 2019 2:07 PM

LT R B — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:07:02 -0400

What state are you in?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 2:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:25:40 -0400

The Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a transportation employee’s positive drug test result.

Response by LT R B made Apr 10 at 2019 3:37 PM

LT R B — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:37:16 -0400

I am in California and am in a patient care field. Even though marijuana is legal here I would be fired if I tested positive for it. CDL licenses are similarly restrictive as far as I know so you would likely be in a bad situation even if you had a prescription. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 10 at 2019 4:24 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:24:35 -0400

CDL is regulated by 49 CFR which prohibits use of cannabis in any form, to include medical marijuana. I’m not sure how your organization will handle it but the law is very clear.

Response by SSgt Kevin OBrien made Apr 10 at 2019 6:37 PM

SSgt Kevin OBrien — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 18:37:37 -0400

By the way, the page corrected the post. I AM NOT a truck driver. I simply use the truck on an irregular basis. I hope I can work this out with my org. I really love what I do for veteran families!

Thank you all for your knowledge.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 10:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 22:32:40 -0400

Hope you all the best Sir.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Apr 12 at 2019 2:42 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:42:40 -0400

Legal doesn't mean you can't get fired. YOU'RE FUCKED.