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Post by sunnyd on Apr 6, 2016 14:40:17 GMT
This is my niece & I admit I don't approve & worry about her smoking pot daily. She says she using it as medicine for anxiety but it's illegal in our state, even for medical use. I agree that she needs medication but not that. She works full time in a hospital as a sort of CNA.
Would you be concerned if your 20 yo niece smoked pot daily? Or is this what 20 year olds do? Yes, I'm sheltered & the other 20 yo's I know don't do this.
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Dalai Mama
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Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 6, 2016 14:47:46 GMT
For medicinal use? You agree that she needs medicine - why not marijuana?
To answer your question, no, I would not be concerned.
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Post by BeckyTech on Apr 6, 2016 14:48:49 GMT
She says she using it as medicine for anxiety If she is so anxious that she feels a need for medication, she should see a medical professional. It sounds like she is using this as an excuse to get high. How do her parents feel about it?
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Post by littlemama on Apr 6, 2016 14:54:12 GMT
Medicinal marijuana is legal in my state and it is absolutely stunning the number of people in their late teens and early 20s who have cards for "back pain" and "anxiety". It is an absolute travesty and is not fair to the people who need it for real medical reasons. Because of this, I believe that there should only be certain doctors who can issue these cards- and they should have been treating the patient long term. They should have to prove that nothing else works and the user should need to be re-evaluated every 6 months. But, none of that is what you asked. Yes, I think there is reason to be concerned, and I also think that she is likely in violation of her workplace's drug policy - whether it is illegal or legal in your state. Before anyone piles on, let me just state that you cannot work under the influence of Oxycontin or morphine in a health care profession either.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Apr 6, 2016 14:56:00 GMT
She says she using it as medicine for anxiety If she is so anxious that she feels a need for medication, she should see a medical professional. It sounds like she is using this as an excuse to get high. How do her parents feel about it? I agree with this. I have not known anyone who was a regular pot smoker who was also doing productive things in other areas of their lives, though. Does she have to do drug tests for her job? She could lose her job if she does. Pot stays in your system for quite awhile so even occasional users would be taking a big risk. Is she using before work? What happens when the effects wear off? Is her anxiety high again, needing more pot? I would encourage her to find other ways of reducing her anxiety that are legal.
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Apr 6, 2016 14:57:21 GMT
You're her aunt? Unless she lives in your house, it's none of your business. She's an adult and not your responsibility. She's free to make her own decisions, even if they're bad ones.
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Apr 6, 2016 14:57:27 GMT
sunnyd My younger cousin who I was very close with started using that bullshit excuse when she was about 19. She flunked out of one college and dropped out of two others. She is now 30, has an 8 year old daughter and the skeeviest bf who is 18 years older than her. They all live with my Aunt. She hasn't worked in 9 years. Still smokes pot all day and takes bars of Xanax at a time. I don't even know her anymore. About a year into this I tried to convince my family to do something. They all poo pooed me and basically didn't believe me. Maybe if they had she wouldn't be this way now. Don't be afraid to say something. I should have said more.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 6, 2016 14:59:14 GMT
My DD is 19 and doesn't smoke anything (that I'm aware of). She is at college and got a roommate who seemed really sweet when her mom as well as DH and I were around. Granted, she does have a medical marijuana card supposedly, but DD said she was smoking it all the time. We're in CA so it's only legal with the card and the girl told DD that she lied to get it. DD had listed non-smoker on her request sheet for a roommate. Needless to say, the roommate situation didn't last long since this girl partied like there was no tomorrow.
All that to say, I don't think it's an age thing. However, many in DD's small college community do it. That doesn't make it right IMO. I would be concerned by as your niece, I wouldn't do much about it if I were you.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Apr 6, 2016 15:01:28 GMT
Are we talking about all day or just a joint once a day?
All day is a problem - just like it would be with alcohol.
Once a day would not be - just like it wouldn't be with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 6, 2016 15:05:52 GMT
The OP has already said it's not a 'bullshit excuse' - the girl needs medication for anxiety. And marijuana is often prescribed for anxiety.
So why the issue with marijuana and not something like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan - drugs that are also prescribed for anxiety with much worse side-effects?
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Post by anonrefugee on Apr 6, 2016 15:10:18 GMT
Are we talking about all day or just a joint once a day? All day is a problem - just like it would be with alcohol. Once a day would not be - just like it wouldn't be with a glass of wine at the end of the day. I agree with you. But even if it's one glass a wine a day to deal with anxiety, a doctor visit might be needed. Self medication can be a habit that leads to long term problems.
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ginacivey
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refupea #2 in southeast missouri
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Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Apr 6, 2016 15:10:24 GMT
it's the stigma that people can not get past
i'd rather pot than xanax
gina
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Post by myshelly on Apr 6, 2016 15:10:54 GMT
The OP has already said it's not a 'bullshit excuse' - the girl needs medication for anxiety. And marijuana is often prescribed for anxiety. So why the issue with marijuana and not something like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan - drugs that are also prescribed for anxiety with much worse side-effects? I agree with this. OP, you are assuming that pharmaceutical meds would have less negative effects than pot. Why? Perhaps do some research and reexamine your bias. I disagree and it sounds like your niece does, too.
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Post by sunnyd on Apr 6, 2016 15:11:49 GMT
I'd rather she be treated by a doctor than a drug dealer. signed -Auntie Prude P.S. I do support legalized medical marijuana for valid, qualified patients when prescribed by qualified professionals. Her current job at the hospital does not require drug testing. She is thinking about applying for nursing school & she would be drug tested for that & have to stop smoking. She told me all about her daily pot smoking so I did give her my opinion as part of the conversation she started. PolarGreen12 Your story actually terrifies me. My niece had a full ride university scholarship & flunked out. Thank you for telling me about your cousin. I will be saying more to her. We are close & I would rather say something now than see her in that position in 10 years. I realize it takes a lot more than smoking pot to wind up like that but they sound eerily similar.
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Deleted
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Oct 1, 2024 11:34:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2016 15:18:37 GMT
I'd be concerned if she's self-diagnosed and self-medicating, particularly illegally. That's not good decision-making, and that's always something worthy of concern. Whether there's anything you can do about it, though, seems doubtful. She's an adult, and part of being a grownup is the prerogative to make stupid decisions (as long as she's not hurting anyone else in the process.)
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freebird
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Post by freebird on Apr 6, 2016 15:21:16 GMT
Medicinal marijuana is legal in my state and it is absolutely stunning the number of people in their late teens and early 20s who have cards for "back pain" and "anxiety". It is an absolute travesty and is not fair to the people who need it for real medical reasons. Because of this, I believe that there should only be certain doctors who can issue these cards- and they should have been treating the patient long term. They should have to prove that nothing else works and the user should need to be re-evaluated every 6 months. But, none of that is what you asked. Yes, I think there is reason to be concerned, and I also think that she is likely in violation of her workplace's drug policy - whether it is illegal or legal in your state. Before anyone piles on, let me just state that you cannot work under the influence of Oxycontin or morphine in a health care profession either. The stats that I read was that the highest medical mj card holders group were males ages 18-25. Gee, shocker. If the niece has anxiety "issues" she needs to see a doctor, not self medicate. You wouldn't suggest she self medicate with alcohol so why pot? However, she's not your kid and there's nothing you can do about HER actions. I'd let her know I don't approve though and I would tell her that if I find out she's doing it before work, etc that I'd turn her in. Why put patients at risk because she has "anxiety" that needs treated?
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Post by AN on Apr 6, 2016 15:35:18 GMT
If someone is holding down a job (or otherwise productive if they aren't at a place in life where they need a job), arrives on time to work and personal functions, pays their bills, maintains important relationships, etc -- generally living a responsible life -- I don't care if they choose to use pot or xanax or glaucoma meds or whatever they have found that relieves their symptoms. I do not think pot is worse than prescription drugs, when used responsibly. Both can be abused.
If someone doesn't have their act together otherwise, that would be more of a concern to me, and I'm sure I would think the drugs was playing a part in that... but again, that could be true of pot or of prescription drugs.
I certainly would worry about someone losing their job if they work in a setting with random drug testing (which I imagine most hospitals do), or getting caught with it if I lived in a state with harsh penalties (many states have decriminalized even if it isn't legal, that wouldn't worry me), but that wouldn't make me judgmental of their choice to use - just worried about the repercussions and hoping they had weighed that out.
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Post by Chips on Apr 6, 2016 15:36:37 GMT
I hope she is being seen by a doctor and therapist. She needs the tools to deal with her anxiety and I do not mean being dependent on marijuana. Even with prescribed drugs I think the best situation is not to be on them forever.
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loco coco
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Posts: 2,662
Jun 26, 2014 16:15:45 GMT
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Post by loco coco on Apr 6, 2016 15:38:48 GMT
she has a full time job, no I wouldnt be concerned
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Post by AN on Apr 6, 2016 15:40:45 GMT
If the niece has anxiety "issues" she needs to see a doctor, not self medicate. You wouldn't suggest she self medicate with alcohol so why pot? However, she's not your kid and there's nothing you can do about HER actions. I'd let her know I don't approve though and I would tell her that if I find out she's doing it before work, etc that I'd turn her in. Why put patients at risk because she has "anxiety" that needs treated? LOTS of people, including doctors (I can think of 3 off the top of my head that my friends have personally told me about), recommend self-medicating with alcohol to take the edge off when someone has low grade anxiety/stress and doesn't have risk factors for addiction. Those 3 friends have all been told they should have a nightly glass of wine - one of the friends was in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy when her OB told her that. I'm SUCH a fan of prescription medications. I'm so glad they exist. But for a lot of things, there is solid proof that marijuana is as or more effective and extremely low risk for addiction. There just isn't a way for big companies to monetize it right now (it's coming though). Look up the stats on the effectiveness of anti-depressants on mild to moderate depression - they're a joke when you look at the research. And they have serious risks for many people. I've never smoked pot in my life, but I just don't get the stigma. It isn't the gateway drug that "we" used to think it was (for people not prone to addiction, and if you're prone to addiction prescription pills can be a problem too), it's low risk, and it is proven effective and safe for many treatments. I think in 20 years, this fight over marijuana - particularly medical marijuana - will be look like abolition does to us now, but maybe even worse because it was keeping people from an effective medical treatment, not just enjoying a drink.
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Post by Merge on Apr 6, 2016 15:41:36 GMT
Here's why pharmaceuticals and not pot, if possible - pharmaceuticals are controlled, meaning that your doctor prescribes how many you can have and requires regular appointments to check for harmful side effects. If you overuse the pills, you can't just go and get more before your prescription is due for refill. If you're buying pot illegally from a dealer, however, he doesn't care how many times a day you light up and doesn't give a shit if the side effect is that you flunk out of college.
I am actually pro-legalization and don't care if people light up recreationally. I would not, however, support my child choosing to self-medicate with pot for an actual medical condition rather than seeking a doctor's oversight and care. I wouldn't want my kids to self-medicate with alcohol or caffeine or cocaine anything else, either.
OP, she's an adult and not your child, so not much you can do. As a caring family member, if you do start to notice negative side effects, you might talk with her about your concerns.
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Deleted
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Oct 1, 2024 11:34:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2016 15:41:58 GMT
I think it's a bad idea because she's certainly putting her job at risk. I can almost guarantee that if she is ever injured on the job - which is not unlikely for a CNA - she will be required to submit to a drug test. When it comes back positive, she's most likely going to be terminated.
If her reason is truly to control anxiety - and it's certainly possible it does actually help - she should see a physician and look into alternatives (pharmaceutical and/or therapy) that won't put her job at risk.
It's her choice if she wants to do it, but I think it's foolish.
I'm not overly concerned about it in general - pot is legal here and I don't believe it's a gateway drug - but it's illegal where she is and she's risking her job, so she's making bad choices.
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loco coco
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Jun 26, 2014 16:15:45 GMT
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Post by loco coco on Apr 6, 2016 15:42:51 GMT
Medicinal marijuana is legal in my state and it is absolutely stunning the number of people in their late teens and early 20s who have cards for "back pain" and "anxiety". It is an absolute travesty and is not fair to the people who need it for real medical reasons. Because of this, I believe that there should only be certain doctors who can issue these cards- and they should have been treating the patient long term. They should have to prove that nothing else works and the user should need to be re-evaluated every 6 months. But, none of that is what you asked. Yes, I think there is reason to be concerned, and I also think that she is likely in violation of her workplace's drug policy - whether it is illegal or legal in your state. Before anyone piles on, let me just state that you cannot work under the influence of Oxycontin or morphine in a health care profession either. I 100% understand people abuse this system but Im 29 with back pain so dont be so quick to judge all the young people. I have DDD, buldged discs and osteo arthritis. Ive tried injections, PT, muscle relaxers, and tons of pain pills. I would way rather my 20 year old kid be helped by smoking pot than get addicted to pills. For what its worth, I dont smoke, its illegal in my state but I understand the need for others who can and do
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Apr 6, 2016 15:42:55 GMT
I have heard more stories about people like polargreen's cousin than I have about healthy, productive people using marijuana in a safe and responsible way. People who say they need the pot to help with anxiety,, stress, etc. Whether it is legit that they have significant anxiety or not, they are not going to school, not meeting expectations at home and in the community, and their relationships are suffering. So, is that "medicine" working? I would personally advocate for non-medicinal ways to treat anxiety before starting any medication, but unfortunately that is not where many in our society want to look first. Also, Xanax, Ativan and Valium are not the only anti-anxiety medications and not the first choice for medications that are taken regularly.
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Post by AN on Apr 6, 2016 15:43:38 GMT
Here's why pharmaceuticals and not pot, if possible - pharmaceuticals are controlled, meaning that your doctor prescribes how many you can have and requires regular appointments to check for harmful side effects. If you overuse the pills, you can't just go and get more before your prescription is due for refill. If you're buying pot illegally from a dealer, however, he doesn't care how many times a day you light up and doesn't give a shit if the side effect is that you flunk out of college. This is a great point - buying in a state where it isn't regulated/legalized is scary and you're contributing to some pretty bad stuff that goes on. Another reason to legalize, at least for medicinal use (hey, that makes 2 of us in TX, right? ).
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freebird
Drama Llama
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Post by freebird on Apr 6, 2016 15:44:48 GMT
If the niece has anxiety "issues" she needs to see a doctor, not self medicate. You wouldn't suggest she self medicate with alcohol so why pot? However, she's not your kid and there's nothing you can do about HER actions. I'd let her know I don't approve though and I would tell her that if I find out she's doing it before work, etc that I'd turn her in. Why put patients at risk because she has "anxiety" that needs treated? LOTS of people, including doctors (I can think of 3 off the top of my head that my friends have personally told me about), recommend self-medicating with alcohol to take the edge off when someone has low grade anxiety/stress and doesn't have risk factors for addiction. Those 3 friends have all been told they should have a nightly glass of wine - one of the friends was in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy when her OB told her that. I'm SUCH a fan of prescription medications. I'm so glad they exist. But for a lot of things, there is solid proof that marijuana is as or more effective and extremely low risk for addiction. There just isn't a way for big companies to monetize it right now (it's coming though). Look up the stats on the effectiveness of anti-depressants on mild to moderate depression - they're a joke when you look at the research. And they have serious risks for many people. I've never smoked pot in my life, but I just don't get the stigma. It isn't the gateway drug that "we" used to think it was (for people not prone to addiction, and if you're prone to addiction prescription pills can be a problem too), it's low risk, and it is proven effective and safe for many treatments. I think in 20 years, this fight over marijuana - particularly medical marijuana - will be look like abolition does to us now, but maybe even worse because it was keeping people from an effective medical treatment, not just enjoying a drink. We don't agree. We'll never agree, but regardless of "studies" and what people believe, the fact of the matter is, it's illegal in her state. Booze is legal, maybe she should have some wine with dinner instead. I doubt she'll do that because she can't get the high she wants.
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 6, 2016 15:47:20 GMT
it's the stigma that people can not get past i'd rather pot than xanax gina And I think that stigma answers the question why the leading users of medicinal marijuana are 18-25 year-olds (or, conversely, why it's not more widely used by older age groups).
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Apr 6, 2016 15:47:34 GMT
Here's why pharmaceuticals and not pot, if possible - pharmaceuticals are controlled, meaning that your doctor prescribes how many you can have and requires regular appointments to check for harmful side effects. If you overuse the pills, you can't just go and get more before your prescription is due for refill. If you're buying pot illegally from a dealer, however, he doesn't care how many times a day you light up and doesn't give a shit if the side effect is that you flunk out of college. I am actually pro-legalization and don't care if people light up recreationally. I would not, however, support my child choosing to self-medicate with pot for an actual medical condition rather than seeking a doctor's oversight and care. I wouldn't want my kids to self-medicate with alcohol or caffeine or cocaine anything else, either. OP, she's an adult and not your child, so not much you can do. As a caring family member, if you do start to notice negative side effects, you might talk with her about your concerns. wait...what? if you run out of xanax before your RX is up - it's pretty damn easy to buy them - you buy them just as illegally as you would non-prescribed pot. that part of your post doesn't even make sense i know countless people that are awfully dependent on their xannies - gina
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Dalai Mama
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Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 6, 2016 15:50:31 GMT
LOTS of people, including doctors (I can think of 3 off the top of my head that my friends have personally told me about), recommend self-medicating with alcohol to take the edge off when someone has low grade anxiety/stress and doesn't have risk factors for addiction. Those 3 friends have all been told they should have a nightly glass of wine - one of the friends was in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy when her OB told her that. I'm SUCH a fan of prescription medications. I'm so glad they exist. But for a lot of things, there is solid proof that marijuana is as or more effective and extremely low risk for addiction. There just isn't a way for big companies to monetize it right now (it's coming though). Look up the stats on the effectiveness of anti-depressants on mild to moderate depression - they're a joke when you look at the research. And they have serious risks for many people. I've never smoked pot in my life, but I just don't get the stigma. It isn't the gateway drug that "we" used to think it was (for people not prone to addiction, and if you're prone to addiction prescription pills can be a problem too), it's low risk, and it is proven effective and safe for many treatments. I think in 20 years, this fight over marijuana - particularly medical marijuana - will be look like abolition does to us now, but maybe even worse because it was keeping people from an effective medical treatment, not just enjoying a drink. We don't agree. We'll never agree, but regardless of "studies" and what people believe, the fact of the matter is, it's illegal in her state. Booze is legal, maybe she should have some wine with dinner instead. I doubt she'll do that because she can't get the high she wants. Studies, not "studies". And you seem to know a lot about a girl you've never met before. I could just as easily say that I doubt she will self-medicate with wine because she realises that alcohol has an addiction factor that marijuana doesn't.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Apr 6, 2016 15:55:36 GMT
The OP has already said it's not a 'bullshit excuse' - the girl needs medication for anxiety. And marijuana is often prescribed for anxiety. So why the issue with marijuana and not something like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan - drugs that are also prescribed for anxiety with much worse side-effects? ^^^ It seems pretty clear to me- because the OP said that medical marijuana is not legal in her state, and the marijuana has not been prescribed by a physician. And she works in a hospital as a CNA-- if she ever does get drug tested, then yes, I agree her job is in jeopardy. And yes, I also agree that if she has legitimate anxiety issues, then she needs to go to a doctor who can prescribe anti-anxiety medication. Where she lives, using marijuana to 'relieve stress' when it's not medically prescribed is illegal, and to me, it's NOT the same as a glass of wine at the end of the day. Not when it's illegal in your state. And just like Xanax or Valium, if you have a job that doesn't allow working while impaired (and I'm guessing a hospital setting might fall into that category), then yes, that needs to be taken into consideration for ANY prescriptions. (note: I haven't said anywhere what MY opinion is about whether marijuana should be legal or not-- but that's NOT the issue being discussed in this thread.)
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