For many people, drug testing is quite common in the workplace. And, for those who enjoy cannabis, this can be incredibly nerve-wracking. After all, drug tests are looking for those precious THC metabolites.
But, what happens if you have a medical marijuana card? Would that affect your career? More so, can you get a job with a medical card?
Whether you’re interested in a job with the government or with your local coffee shop, let’s talk about the ins and outs of getting a job when you have a medical marijuana card.
Read to the end to get a special discount on your weed!
Jobs and Medical Marijuana
At first glance, it may seem like a bad idea to have a medical marijuana card while searching for jobs. However, this is actually a positive thing.
When you have a medical marijuana card and you fail a workplace drug test, your work cannot refuse to hire you. Instead, it puts a safeguard in place for those who regularly enjoy cannabis as medicine — but who don’t want to get in trouble with their employer for consuming it.
Now, if you fail a drug test while you already have a job, the next steps are more so under the discretion of your employer. There’s a very good chance that they will give you a pass for failing the marijuana section simply based on your medical card status.
That being said, it can be helpful to let your employer know that you’ve gotten a medical marijuana card and that it may affect future drug test statuses.
Can You Get a Government Job With a Medical Card?
Typically, yes, you can still get a government job even if you have a medical marijuana card.
However, this does depend on the type of job you’re applying for and whether it is governed by federal or state laws.
State government jobs are generally more accommodating since many states have legalized medical marijuana.
However, these jobs may still require drug testing, and if marijuana is detected, your medical marijuana card may not necessarily protect you from repercussions depending on the job’s specific policies.
If you can, try to do some research about the government job and its drug testing policies to see what you can expect.
Can You Get a Federal Job With a Medical Card?
On the other hand, federal jobs are much more strict with marijuana, and you may not be able to get a job based on your cardholder status.
Since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, federal employers are required to maintain a drug-free workplace, regardless of state laws.
This means that having a medical marijuana card does not exempt you from federal drug testing requirements, and a positive test for THC could disqualify you from employment or result in termination.
Some federal roles, particularly those in national security, law enforcement, or positions requiring a security clearance, are particularly strict about marijuana use.
Applicants and current employees must comply with federal drug policies, even if they use medical marijuana legally under state law. We know, it’s a bummer.
So, Can You Still Get a Job With a Medical Card?
At the end of the day, yes, you can still get a job with a medical card! But, it does depend on the type of job.
As long as you’re not planning on starting a career in the federal government, you should be good to go with having a medical marijuana card.
In fact, for most people, having a medical card is going to grant a level of safety and security for your job. Because, all in all, it proves that you turn to this plant for medical reasons, and they cannot punish you for that.
(Just make sure you’re not showing up to work high.)
Exploring the Benefits of Medical Marijuana Cards
Having employee protection (other than with federal jobs) is just one of the many benefits that come with having a medical marijuana card.
If you live in a state where weed isn’t fully legal, having your card is the best — and only — way to get your hands on high-quality products at affordable prices.
And, if your state has fully legal cannabis, having a medical marijuana card means paying less on taxes, getting medical-only discounts, and experiencing priority services like cannabis delivery.
But, trust us, we know the biggest benefit is saving money.
While you have to pay to get your card initially, medical patients are exempt from paying most of the high tax rates that recreational consumers pay. This makes your purchases more affordable overall. And who doesn’t want that with their bud?
Get Approved Online Today in Minutes!
If you want to experience all of the benefits that come with having a medical marijuana card, Elevate Holistics can get you approved in minutes.
Our online process happens over the phone or computer, and the appointment will take less than 15 minutes to complete. Then, we can even register you with the state.
Before you know it, you’ll have employee protection and higher-quality weed at lower prices with a medical marijuana card.
And, as a blog reader, you will get a special discount on your medical marijuana card.
Simply use the code BLOG5 at checkout and enjoy an additional $5 off your first-time appointment or renewal!
