A little clarification please

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Commuter69, May 8, 2015.

  1. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    I was talking to someone the other day who was considering a driving career. He tells me that he uses medical marijuana (we are in California where it is legal for medical use). I told him that, although the administration and legislation over the regulations over commercial drivers is delegated to the state level, the feds control the DOT and the actual content of those regulations. Since the federal government does not recognize the validity of the medical uses for marijuana, it is not allowed. This even forgets about the fact that there is not a consensus among the individual states, some allow it, while others don't.

    Even if the feds do ever recognize the medical uses, it is not likely that will change for drivers in the interest of safety behind the wheel on the road.

    Am I correct in this assessment?
     
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  3. Thediamond13

    Thediamond13 Light Load Member

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    He can't have it in his system. Driving is not the career for him. The roads are dangerous enough without a bunch of high drivers going down the road.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You are correct.
    If he can't pass drug test, he won't be allowed to drive a commercial vehicle.
     
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  5. BigSam

    BigSam Light Load Member

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    there are also a lot of legal prescription drugs that would also disqualify someone from operating a commercial vehicle
     
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  6. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    His biggest issue was marijuana. He didn't tell me what he needed it for, but did show me his med card.

    I know that Washington and Colorado also have legalized marijuana for recreational use, but there have been cases of people getting med cards that are fraudulent (meaning a doctor traded money for his signature regardless of the validity of the claim).
     
  7. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Just as likely, he didn't tell the dr he was using it. Drug testing is not part of the dot physical. The dr does a urine or blood test for sugar levels, not drugs.
     
  8. dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

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    really doesnt matter where its legal. it still illegal to drive with it in your system.
     
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  9. truckerlife74

    truckerlife74 Medium Load Member

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    One day the entire USA will legalize weed but for human's sake I hope it is always illegal to use and operate a commercial vehicle
     
  10. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    but i was only smoking a lil as i was texting flying down the road
     
  11. Pumpkin Oval Head

    Pumpkin Oval Head Road Train Member

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    you are correct...truck drivers have a public safety responsibity and that won't change, regardless of what the states do....period, end of story.
     
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