What are the downsides of having a med card?
Asked by: Reta Macejkovic | Last update: June 21, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (50 votes)
- Federal Law Conflict. The conflict between state and federal law is a significant downside for medical marijuana cardholders. ...
- Firearm Ownership Restrictions. ...
- Privacy Concerns. ...
- Employment Issues. ...
- Travel Limitations. ...
- Insurance and Healthcare. ...
- Empowerment in Healthcare Decisions.
What rights do you lose with a medical card?
Yes, generally you lose your gun rights if you have a medical card. However, in many cases, it depends on the specific laws of your state and the reason for your medical card. Federal regulations restrict gun ownership for individuals using certain controlled substances.
Can my job fire me if I have a medical card in Florida?
According to the Florida Medical Marijuana Employee Protection Act, which was filed in 2019 (but has not yet been passed), employers can't take adverse action against an employee or job applicant who is a qualified patient using medical marijuana, unless the job involves safety-sensitive duties.
Does having a medical card affect your health insurance?
MMJ is regulated at the state level whereas health insurance rules are typically national, so one doesn't affect the other. Please note: You should always consult knowledgeable experts before making decisions about health insurance and MMJ patient status.
What are the negatives of a med card?
- You Can't Work in a Federal Government Job.
- You May Be Excluded from Federal Government Housing Assistance.
- You May Be Barred From Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License.
- You Can't Buy a Firearm.
- You'll Need to Pay a Renewal Fee Every One or Two Years.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card?
Does a med card go on your record?
Medical marijuana cards can only be obtained through a doctor, meaning HIPAA law prevents this information from being disclosed. Because medical marijuana cards are technically part of a candidate's health records, this information cannot be shared.
What happens if you fail a drug test but have a medical card in FL?
In Florida, employers are allowed to require job applicants to submit to random drug tests, and they are allowed to fire employees at will for failing those drug tests—even if workers have a valid medical marijuana card.
What happens if you fail a drug test but have a medical card in MO?
If you have a valid medical card in the state of Missouri, you can only be terminated for a positive test if you possessed or were under the influence during working hours, your offsite use somehow impacted your ability to work, or your position requires certifications that have restrictions on drug use.
Does having a medical card show up on a background check Florida?
Your status as a holder of the card will not show up in any background check. It's perfectly reasonable to worry about the access your potential employers could have to your medical marijuana use. However, you needn't suffer. Employers will never know about your medical cannabis card holder status.
Can the ATF see if you have a medical card?
Currently, the ATF cannot retrieve a state's MMJ card information, but MMJ cardholders commit perjury if they untruthfully say "no" to using cannabis on ATF Form 4473, question 11f.
Can I buy a gun after my MMJ card expires?
The answer is Yes, you can purchase a firearm if you are not currently using marijuana.
Can doctors see if you have a medical card?
Normally, your doctor can only learn about the medical marijuana recommendation if he is affiliated with the institution you got your medical marijuana card from. However, it is important for you to share this information with your doctor in order to diagnose you better and provide good treatment.
Should I tell my employer I have a medical card?
If you're wondering if you should disclose your medical cardholder status to your employer, consider whether you'll receive any benefits, whether your employer conducts periodic drug testing, and how safety-sensitive your workplace is. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Does going to a dispensary go on your background check?
No, your history with medical or recreational dispensaries and your purchases will not show on a security check or when applying for security clearances. However, it is common for security clearances to require interviews, which tend to include questions pertaining to drug use and purchases.
How far back does a medical background check go?
Under this act, most information can only be reported for seven years. However, the limits do not apply for jobs that pay salaries of at least $75,000. Many states also have laws that restrict the reporting period for certain types of information.
Can I get fired if I have a medical card?
Although employers cannot discriminate against employees who have prescriptions for medical marijuana, that does not necessarily protect you from action if you are coming to work under the influence.
Can a job not hire you if you have a medical card in Missouri?
No employer shall terminate, discipline, or refuse to hire an employee or 8 individual for medical marijuana use if the employee or individual complies with the 9 requirements of Article XIV of the Constitution of Missouri and with any rules or 10 regulations promulgated by the department of health and senior services ...
What will my doctor do if I fail a drug test?
Your doctor will likely only note in your chart that you either refused or failed the drug test. If you are very ill, they may speak to you about how the drugs will only make your condition worse. They may even offer help in the form of rehabilitation programs and other possible treatments.
Can you drive with medical Marijuanas in Florida?
In Florida, registered medical marijuana patients are allowed to drive with medical marijuana products in their possession, but it is illegal to use or administer these products while in the vehicle.
How to explain failed drug test?
If you fail a drug test, it's important to be honest and direct when explaining the situation. Acknowledge the result, explain any mitigating circumstances (such as prescription medications that may have caused a false positive), and take responsibility if applicable.
Do they drug test you for a medical card?
Although a standard DOT drug test isn't conducted during DOT physicals, the medical examiner will review your current medications with you — including those you take for diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and recent surgeries.
What qualifies you for a med card?
- Anorexia.
- Arthritis.
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome.
- Cancer.
- Chronic Pain.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Glaucoma.
- Migraine.
Do you lose your gun rights if you have a medical card in NM?
Can You Own a Gun with a Medical Card in New Mexico? No. Although New Mexico has not enacted a law relating to the possession of firearms for medical marijuana patients, firearm ownership is in part controlled by federal law. Therefore, under federal law, medical marijuana users are not qualified to possess firearms.
Does a medical card show up on insurance?
No, having a medical card has nothing to do with your health insurance. So having a medical card does not affect your health insurance. Keep in mind that Medical cover is generally provided to FDA-approved drugs.
Does a medical card show up on a background check?
Your medical records are privacy protected. They are not part of a Federal or State background check. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a is a Federal Act which prevents medical personnel from disclosing your records.