Employers across the country continue to do drug testing which tests for the five most commonly abused categories of drugs including marijuana. If an employee tests positive on a drug test, it is up to the employer to deal with the problem. The employer has the right to immediately fire the employee or to warn the employee that breaking the company’s drug free policy will not be tolerated. In this case, the employee may be tested again at a later date. It is a second chance for the worker to provide a urine sample free from the evidence of marijuana use. In states where medical marijuana is legal, employees are usually treated the same as a worker who is using marijuana illegally. Even with a medical recommendation from a physician, employees can be fired.

An employee’s work will surely suffer if the worker is high and has used marijuana at work. Work and drug use just do not go together. Work takes mental and physical effort, and these are hampered by drugs of any sort. If a worker is using Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, or other prescribed drugs that cause extreme drowsiness, an employer will not typically allow this employee to remain at the work site. Especially those in a safety sensitive work environment. The employee will be sent home and told to return with a doctor’s excuse. Why should an employer have to accept an employee who is high at work from marijuana when they would never let an employee remain on the job who was incapacitated from legal drugs to treat a condition?

In states where marijuana is legal, such as Colorado or California, its use must be done in private. A person smoking marijuana in public can be arrested and face jail time whether or not they have a marijuana card that documents that they are a medical marijuana user. Does this give an employee the right to go into the restroom or out to the parking lot to smoke marijuana for medical reasons?

Drug testing can identify workers who are using marijuana, and employers have the right to know this. Under federal law, marijuana is illegal and in states that have legal medical use, an employer’s drug free workplace policy takes precedence over a worker’s medical marijuana card. Any employee, even those with medical reasons, can be fired immediately if the drug shows up in a random drug test.

Random drug test are the best way for businesses to keep their company drug free. Marijuana will show up in a drug test for seven to 30 days after its use, depending on how heavy of a user the employee is. Random testing can eliminate marijuana use on the job, with proper use of pre employment drug testing and random drug screens. There is no reliable way to wash marijuana use from the body in a short period of time, despite the great variety of products on the market that claim to do this.

Today, the medical scientists have located the medicine of the new age, which is medical marijuana. Unluckily, US federal laws prohibit any marijuana deployment, because according to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, marijuana is categorized as a Schedule I drug. Nevertheless, although a lot of attempts on moving marijuana from Schedule I were performed since the ’72, there’s still a huge debate around the plant, which continues to keep it listed in Schedule I. However, fourteen states have legitimated medical marijuana for treatment and almost every city of these states has at least one medical marijuana dispensary. They provide MMJ Cards and the medicines. Each marijuana patient should have a Medical Marijuana Card if they want to be taken through Marijuana Treatment.

There are many medical marijuana card enrollment companies in these 14 states, which supply good services. But there are companies that don’t provide the promised services and do something like on-phone marijuana card approvals and then just send MMJ Cards to their “patients” via US post. This is absolutely incorrect, because a good Marijuana Dispensary or registration group has to set a meeting with the physician, who’s certified for work in the niche of marijuana treatment and who will review the patient’s condition in person and check if a patient is actually qualifying for a marijuana card and following cannabis treatment. If a company or service offers any other medical marijuana card evaluation options, it is the sign that the company is virtually phony.

Therefore, if you intend to have successful marijuana treatment, you must make sure to get a marijuana card from a licensed instance. You should know that false MMJ Cards can get people in bad problems, including penalties and arrest. No doubt, you don’t want anything like this happen to you. Therefore, you should follow the regulations and plain guidelines during the process of your application for a marijuana card. Marijuana treatment is efficient, without a doubt, and it is confirmed to supply great results in patients with cancer, glaucoma, anorexia, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, loss of appetite, and disseminated sclerosis, among others. It isn’t that hard to qualify for MMJ Cards, when there’s a real need for marijuana.

Once you meet with your doctor and will then discuss your condition with the doctor, you will most probably be taken through a medical inspection, and the result will totally depend on the doctor’s opinion. However, you will need to bring your medical files with you, so that the doctor could see a comprehensive picture of medical condition of yours. Although cannabis treatment is allowed in fourteen states, they are still under the federal law of the USA, which means they won’t give out MMJ cards to all comers. You medicinal condition must be among the conditions classified in the marijuana law of your state. Your local department of health will provide you with information on these. As well, you can as for the data about your Marijuana Dispensary or marijuana card service you intend to go to and check if they actually have the MMJ Cards certificate, which permits them to provide services in this particular area.

These are basic and simple guidelines that you want to follow in order to get a true Medical Marijuana Card and then be taken through effective marijuana treatment. If you don’t want to have any offences on your record, you won’t neglect their significance.

There is no doubt that the opinions of those against and for the legalization of marijuana have grown since the Controlled Substances Act was changed in 1972. In 1972, the Controlled Substances Act stated that marijuana has no accepted medical use. However, thousands of people in the United States of America think otherwise. This is why around fifteen states have already legalized the medicinal use of marijuana. There are many different reasons why medicinal marijuana should be legalized. The main reason is the fact that it has been proven that medicinal marijuana can help those who are sick with certain ailments.

Medical Marijuana Can Help Sick Men and Women

There is no doubt that the medical use of marijuana can help men and women who are sick with specific diseases. For example, medical marijuana can help those who are sick with HIV, AIDS, Cancer, Glaucoma, Multiple Sclerosis, and epilepsy. Medical marijuana is often known to help sick men and women who have to deal with pain and nausea. Medical marijuana is also commonly used as a last resort when everything else fails to work. There are many different sick men and women who cannot keep down the nutrients that are needed to fight their specific ailments. These men and women often cannot keep down those nutrients without the use of medical marijuana.

Advantages of Medical Marijuana

There are many different advantages to using medical marijuana. For example, marijuana has the ability to ease the suffering of men and women who are sick. In addition, marijuana has other useful purposes. For example, the THC that is commonly found in marijuana has been found to kill brain tumor cells. Other research shows that the THC found in marijuana can also kill breast tumors, pancreas tumors, and liver tumors. This means that marijuana can prove to be extremely useful for men and women who have cancer. Other men and women also say that the legalization of marijuana could help the economy. If the United States of America legalizes the drug, regulates the drug, and taxes marijuana, there is no doubt that it could potentially lessen the overall federal debt.

The receptors in a person’s brain can allow the acceptance of cannabinoids like THC. These receptors are also a large part of the body’s receptor system. Having said this it is known that the THC in marijuana can reduce pain and other stressful symptoms of specific diseases. For example, it can reduce symptoms that are commonly associated with chemotherapy regimens.

Health Risk Myths

Although there are some health risks to smoking marijuana, there is no doubt that many of the stated health risks are simple myths. For example, no one has ever overdosed on marijuana. In addition, while others believe that marijuana is addicting, research shows that marijuana is not physically addictive.

Medical marijuana has developed into a treatment for painful gastrointestinal disorders that involve bowel inflammation and cramping. These diseases include colitis, Crohn’s disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Often with these diseases patients can suffer from cramping, inflammation, chronic pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. Medical marijuana is often able to alleviate these symptoms substantially.

Crohn’s disease represents a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disorder that causes intense, severe pain. The cause is unknown. Digestion is adversely affected, and in very rare cases it can be fatal. The disease is destructive to the intesting. There are over 500,000 people in the US who suffer from Crohn’s disease. In most states who have approved medical marijuana, Crohn’s disease is an accepted condition for usage.

Traditional medications utilized for Crohn’s include immunosuppressive ones such as Imuran, methotrexate, 6 MP, steroids, Mesalamine, and Remicade. These medications may cause the same symptoms as the disease including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Steroids have some side effects that may include adrenal dysfunction, bone thinning, ulcers, and glucose intolerance.

Various studies have shown promising results for medicinal marijuana alleviating the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s.

A 2005 study published in O’Shaughnessy’s found that cannabis helped a lot with the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. It was a pilot study using marijuana at the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in a dozen patients with Crohn’s and patients described significant improvement for appetite, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and depression. There were less flare-ups and fewer stools per day. Patients were able to decrease the amount of immunosuppressive medications necessary as well.

Another study from 2001 called Cannabinoids and the Gastrointestinal Tract found that the cannabinoids found in marijuana represent a potentially excellent option for the treatment of numerous GI disorders – including inflammatory bowel diseases, functional bowel diseases, gastro-esophageal reflux conditions, secretory diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and colon cancer. There are receptors both in the brain and the GI system named CB1 receptors. In animals the study showed that agonists for these receptors delayed gastric emptying and inhibited gastric acid secretion. CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain.

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Endocrinolog Investigation demonstrates that activation of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors exert biological functions on the gastrointestinal tract.

There are CB2 receptors in numerous cells outside of the brain, including in the GI tract lining. Marijuana contains cannabinoids which activate the CB2 receptor – this is thought to decrease inflammation in the GI tract along with reducing pain and swelling. There is another compound in cannabis named beta-caryophyllene which turns on the CB-2 receptors as well.

Since selling marijuana is a crime in most states, it stands to reason that growing this illegal drug is also a crime. In states where medicinal marijuana is not legal, no individuals are allowed to grow marijuana. If caught, these individuals may face significant punishments.

Marijuana cultivation may be tried as a state or federal offense. In general, the state offense for cultivation is significantly less severe than the federal offense. In both cases in Texas, for example, the crime is considered a felony, meaning that individuals will likely face jail time.

For federal charges, individuals may face up to 30 years in prison and up to a $4 million fine. For state charges, individuals may face up to 99 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine. Typically, individuals receive the harsher ends of punishment spectrum when they are repeat offenders.

The severity of punishment relies upon more factors than just how many times an individual has been charged with crimes though. Individuals may face stiffer penalties depending on how much marijuana they are found to be growing in addition to the grow house’s proximity to schools and parks.

Individuals facing marijuana cultivation charges on either the state or federal level are advised to seek experienced legal defense as soon as possible. Since these individuals may stand trial, it is important to have an experienced legal professional on hand.

While hiring a criminal defense lawyer may not guarantee that an individual is found innocent, having a legal representative who is well versed in drug laws may reduce the severity of the punishment that an individual receives.

Nowadays, with 14 US states that have legalized medical marijuana, there are perhaps hundreds of thousands of employers, who wonder about the ways to keep the work site drug free and meantime provide the adequate environment for workers, who are taken through marijuana treatment. In reality, the general marijuana topic is a mess. The federal authorities don’t want to move from their ‘all marijuana is illegal’ position and marijuana-legal states have unbelievably different approaches to the issue. Thus, there has never been a better time for reviewing drug policy of your company.

Here are some guidelines to the major white spots:

For enterprises that work for the government, like those with federal contracts, the directing document should be Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, which bans the utilization of marijuana in job sites that participate in federal contracts.

The DOT – Department of Transportation – as well bans the use of marijuana for employees that are in so-called ‘safety-sensitive’ positions, such as bus drivers, subway operators, truck drivers, armed transit security, ship captains, and pilots. This ban covers all states, involving the states that have legalized medical marijuana. Thus, even if you have a marijuana card, but you have to fly a 757, you have to make sure that your medical marijuana’s effect has passed, when you board your pilot seat.

Some attorneys advise to treat marijuana treatment as if it was a use of any other prescription drug, and the worker could do it legally and safely. They claim that such attitude can save employers both money and time in a situation that leads medical marijuana to the point of getting more and more accepted by society and becoming legalized in greater number of states during the next few years.

Different States – Different Regulations

First of all, in the legalized states, every patient that has a marijuana card is protected from detainment as long as they have dealt with all the needed documentation and has the proof of a doctor’s approval for their marijuana treatment. But this is just the beginning.

If you live and work in Oregon or California and you are tested positive for marijuana at your workplace, you can get fired. You can even be fired if you use medical marijuana with the required approval, and a prescription from your physician, who takes you through your marijuana treatment.

Just recall a precedent back in 2008 – the Ross vs. RagingWire case. Back then, the Supreme Court of California settled that the employer drug test is legal and that it isn’t discriminative to fire a worker for marijuana use, even when it’s not used in the job site. Oregon had the Emerald Steel Fabricators, Inc. vs. Bureau of Labor and Industries, the state’s Supreme Court settled that Oregon employers have to not support the workers’ medical marijuana use, since the federal law takes priority over state laws.

Patients that undergo marijuana treatment in Vermont, will be most probably arrested if found using or under the influence of medical marijuana in their workplaces. The same is true about New Mexico patients.

In certain states, such as Rhode Island and Maine, you won’t be discriminated or fined for your employment of medical marijuana, if you have a medical marijuana card.

In the end, simply don’t forget to review the regulations and laws of your state thoroughly, prior to using medical marijuana either at home or in the job site.

Marijuana is a known dangerous drug that is kept illegal alongside other dangerous substances like cocaine, PCP and heroin. To some people, it should remain that way, however, there are some who strongly insist that marijuana should be legalized. This is because they believe that this herb brings no danger to one’s self or anyone. There are even groups of individuals pointing out the medical benefits of marijuana, which should not be denied to people. Still, there are some people who believe that marijuana should be further explored before making any actions.

As debates and arguments regarding medical cannabis continues to drag on, more and more researchers are continuing with their tests regarding the use of medical marijuana. Others have even come up with various strains of marijuana, which can help in treating certain illnesses. As more of these tests and researches provide scientific and credible results, more and more medical experts are seeing the potential of medical marijuana. In fact, many states today are supporting the use of it for medicinal purposes.

Indeed, every drug has a risk, including the most common ones that are found inside medicine cabinets. Medical experts and doctors would often balance the risks against the good these medicines would bring. It is now being done with cannabis as well. The truth is many researchers and experts have found out that marijuana has a lot of medical benefits. It can provide relief to ailments that has symptoms of chronic pain like cancer and severe arthritis. Moreover, it is said to provide relief to AIDS wasting syndrome as well as the nausea during chemotherapy sessions.

Science has also proven the risks of marijuana, but these risks are outweighed by the benefits for the risks are very small. According to several research, medical marijuana’s side-effects would be the euphoric mood swings, relaxed and/or impaired motor functions as well as increase in appetite. Compared to other medications that may provide the same results as medical marijuana, this herb doesn’t have long-term side-effects and has no risks of overdose.

With all the good talk about medical cannabis, doctors would still say that the danger of using cannabis is not gone. The main concern they have is the effect of cannabis smoke. This smoke has more harmful chemicals and tar as compared to a regular cigarette. Though, this is a proven thing, there’s no way you can smoke 20 sticks of marijuana per day. Moreover, many gadgets have been introduced in the market today, which vaporizes marijuana instead of smoking it.

A lot of people ask me how to stop smoking marijuana and how I did it. It is always challenging to break a habit, no matter what that habit is and marijuana is no different. Quitting isn’t easy, trust me! I smoked pot heavily for years and quitting was one of the most challenging things I have ever done.

Unlike many other drugs such as cocaine and heroin, marijuana does not have any physical addiction properties. The addiction is purely psychological and as such it is possible to train your subconscious to overcome that addiction. Many people research how to stop smoking marijuana, but because of the de-motivation effects marijuana has, they never do anything about it.

As with most stoners, the other factor they have to fight with is habit. People are used to having a smoke after a tough day at work, they like the smell and taste and are used to having a joint in their hands.

Most people that smoke marijuana will find that a lot of people in their immediate circle of friends also smoke. This makes the process of quitting marijuana even harder as your consistently surrounded with like minded people.

In order to quit you must make a solid commitment to yourself and also have motivation to do it. For example your marijuana habit maybe having adverse effects on your relationships, it maybe that you cant afford to fund the addiction and you are getting into debt or even your boss is fed up with your unmotivated, uncaring approach to your work and you are risking losing your job.

The battle to quit smoking marijuana is more than worth it. Within a week of quitting, although I was still fighting the habit; I felt better in myself, happier and a lot more outgoing and upbeat. My immediate friends welcomed the change in my personality with open arms, and began to see a side of me that had previously being muted with marijuana.

Just remember, there are a wide range of benefits to quitting marijuana-

* Increased energy levels

* Boosted confidence

* No social anxiety

* Better memory

* Improved relationships with friends and partners

* Increased motivation for self improvement

High Potency Marijuana is not your father’s marijuana. Over the years growers have used highly sophisticated cultivation techniques that have not only increased the potency of pot but all but eradicated CBD, the molecule that protects the user from psychosis and cognitive impairment. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana has increased from 6% ten years ago to 30% today.

As the THC increased in strength the CBD decreased in its ability to protect the brain from the negative effects caused by chronic use. Those that use marijuana today are unaware of the long rage effects of the more potent product on the streets today.

Today’s High Potency Marijuana causes paranoia and psychosis to the unsuspecting smokers of today. A study performed by Dr. Marta Di Forti for GAP shows that patients with episodes of Psychosis were 50% more likely to have smoked skunk weed just prior to their episode. This may not be proof positive but the evidence is very compelling. There is also evidence that the organic changes in brain chemistry are long lasting if not permanent. All this comes at a time when State and Federal Governments are considering legalizing or at lest decriminalizing growing and possession of pot.

In the past Insurance Companies would never consider treatment for a marijuana addiction because there were no medical complications to report. Drug Rehab Centers may have to rethink their approach to the patient and to the third party payers. More research may have to be done before governments make this high strain of pot available to anyone who wants to experiment.

Dating or living with a marijuana addict can be overwhelming. Marijuana addiction can create turmoil in relationships whether they be with family members, friends or spouses. People who smoke pot, tend to hang around with other people who smoke pot. This enables the pot user to not feel guilty about the amount that they are smoking. Problems arise in a relationship when there are different expectations about marijuana use, our different levels of use. If you are sober, hanging out with the person who is a high all the time is not an enjoyable experience.

Marijuana addiction forms gradually and gets worse as time goes by. This is why some people aren’t even aware they have problem. Most potheads are able to function well enough in life to get by, but may not be aware of how weed is holding them back. They may not realize the effect that marijuana has had on life, until they take a significant break and are sober for a period of time.

It is important to remember that marijuana is a psychological addiction and that the person you care about is addicted to the mental state of being high, and compulsively want to be stoned. This is why they get moody, restless, anxious when they are unable to smoke.

There are two situations here. The first situation is where the marijuana addict is aware of their problem and wants to quit, but hasn’t been able to. The positive thing about the first situation is that you are able to openly talk about the issue and provide support toward the common goal of quitting. The second situation is where the marijuana addict does not want to admit that they have a problem or just a belief that they have a problem with weed. They may say that people love we, and there is no way that they want to quit. In this case, the road to recovery is much rockier.

When you decide to talk to the person about their marijuana use, do not accuse them. Rather, you should explained to them have their marijuana use is affecting you and your relationship with them. You should highlight the positive aspects of quitting marijuana rather than the negative effects you believe the drug is having on this persons life. Anyone can learn to stop smoking marijuana. If you have a problem with marijuana, or know someone that does and want to help them, I wish you the best of luck. You can make a difference.