A proposed comment to the rules would recognize that a lawyer’s marijuana use, while not an ethics violation in itself, could violate other state laws, such as the ban on driving while impaired, and other ethics rules, such as the requirement for competence and diligence.Now the King County Bar Association hopes to clear up the confusion, the Stranger reports. The Seattle-area bar group has asked the Washington State Supreme Court to clarify that lawyers aren’t violating the ethics rules simply by smoking pot or counseling clients about the Washington marijuana law passed by voters in November 2012. The bar’s proposed changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct are here (PDF). Would-be pot-smoking lawyers in Washington state are facing an ethical dilemma: State law will allow them to use the weed for recreational use, but federal law deems it a crime. The bar proposes a new ethics rule stating that lawyers don’t violate the rules solely because they engage in conduct, or assist clients in engaging in conduct, that is allowed under Washington law but barred under federal law.
“Tsion is a wonderful, warm hearted attorney. My felony case took over a year to resolve during covid…She got me a second chance and kept me from going to prison! Not only that, she has made me feel better about myself and focused on making my life what I want it to be. Thank you for everything Tsion!”
Testing for THC impairment is complex since no drug tests reliably measure whether someone is currently impaired. Unlike alcohol usage, a nurse can test positive for marijuana use weeks after their last usage.
Arguing that THC impairs someone typically requires combining drug test results with other objective signs of impairment to establish a totality of evidence. Using cannabis can add risk for nurses that if a workplace incident occurs, the employer or nursing board could argue that the incident was due to drug impairment at work.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is widely available and marketed as beneficial for arthritis, glaucoma, insomnia, anxiety, and other medical conditions. Since the 2018 Farm Bill became effective January 1, 2019, all 50 states have legalized the use of hemp-based CBD products. Industrial hemp plants, by definition, must have a delta-9 THC content of not more than 0.3 percent by dry weight.The primary issue for nurses is that most nurse employers prohibit marijuana use, even when legal. Even if recreational or medicinal marijuana use is permitted under a state’s laws, employers have the right to maintain a drug-free workplace for safety-sensitive positions. They can terminate nurses who smoke weed for failing a drug test, even when they have a medical card. Each employer establishes their workplace policy for drug usage, and you should consult HR to understand yours. Employers are entitled to require a pre-employment nurse drug test as a condition to employment. The federal government still defines marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, even when legal under state laws. As a result, the federal government prohibits its employees from using medicinal and recreational marijuana. The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal agencies can fire doctors for failing federal workplace drug testing. A doctor’s history of ever using marijuana varies by medical specialty. The Medscape survey found emergency medicine physicians report the highest historical rate of marijuana use at 31%, followed by plastic surgery at 29%. The lowest reported rates of historical marijuana usage are for nephrology at 15% and endocrinology at 16%. In comparison, 38% of Americans overall report they’ve tried marijuana, according to the 2019 Gallup poll.State medical boards essentially treat legal cannabis use like alcohol; they only care about it when a physician is impaired while working. For example, the Medical Board of California (MBC) does not have rules regarding a doctor’s use of cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes. But the MBC has strict rules about practicing while impaired and patient safety. If the MBC receives an impaired physician complaint, an investigation and medical evaluation can be ordered (BPC § 820).
Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the possession and use of cannabis remain illegal under federal law. Some derivative compounds such as Cesamet (nabilone), Epididiolex (cannabidiol), Marinol, and Syndros (THC), have been approved for prescription use by the FDA.
Doctors that smoke weed can cause a workplace violation if their employer has a drug-free workplace policy. Physicians are considered safety-sensitive positions. Employers have the right to require pre-employment drug tests and establish a drug-free workplace. If you are not self-employed, it is essential to understand what your employer’s policies are.The firm provides effective and vigorous license defense for licensed businesses and all health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and chiropractors. States that have legalized marijuana do not require that you be a U.S. citizen to use marijuana. But marijuana use can put your federal permanent resident status at risk. If convicted for a violation of federal law relating to marijuana use or any other controlled substance (except simple possession of 30g or less of marijuana), visa and green card holders can become deportable. (USCIS policy) Chudnovsky Law is an award-winning California criminal defense and professional license defense law firm. The firm’s defense attorneys Robert K. Weinberg, Suzanne Crouts, Melissa DuChene, and Tsion Chudnovsky, have a combined 65+ years of experience practicing law.
Licensed healthcare workers are subject to more restrictive marijuana use standards than the general public, even with a medical card and even in legal states, such as California, Colorado, and Washington. Our medical license defense attorneys published this guide to help you avoid triggering license board or employer disciplinary actions that put your career at risk.
This information does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. No representations are made as to the accuracy of this information, and appropriate legal counsel should be consulted before taking any actions. Contact us for a consultation regarding your case facts.If a doctor or nurse consumes CBD oil with THC, there is a risk of a positive drug test. If your employer or state bans THC use, you could be terminated, refused employment, or disciplined for a failed drug test.Nurses and doctors can use hemp-based CBD oil in all 50 states, so long as the oil is THC-free. But many CBD oils can contain THC, even when labeled THC-free. A 2017 study published in JAMA by Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller, a substance abuse specialist at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine found that 18 out of 84 different CBD oils tested contained THC.
The medical use of cannabis with a physician’s recommendation is legal in 35 states, including the states listed above, plus: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and West Virginia.
Given the hassle, expense, and serious potential risks of medical board investigations, physicians need to consult with a professional license defense attorney for guidance whenever contacted by their board. Having THC in your system can add practice risk i
f a patient incident occurs that triggers in-depth scrutiny; the patient or board could allege it was due to drug impairment. As a result of the risks, many physicians err on the conservative side and avoid THC.
Three percent of doctors smoke weed, according to a Medscape physician survey of prior 12 months marijuana usage (1). In contrast, 12% of the general population reported that they currently used marijuana in a nationwide Gallup poll in 2019 (2). Therefore, doctors use marijuana at about one-quarter the rate of the general population.Doctors and nurses that are visa or green card holders cannot legally use marijuana due to federal immigration laws, even if it is legal under their state laws. Non-US citizens are subject to federal laws that consider the possession and use of cannabis illegal, even for medical purposes.
The federal government still categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. Federal employees are not permitted to use medicinal or recreational marijuana regardless of state laws, nor whether they have a medical card. The Veteran’s Health Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies can fire nurses for using marijuana.
Nursing and medical school urine drug screening typically tests for the following drugs: amphetamine (methamphetamine), barbiturates, benzodiazepine, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, methaqualone, opiates (codeine & morphine), phencyclidine, propoxyphene, and oxycodone. Some schools perform hair follicle drug testing in order to determine longer term drug use. Positive tests for prescribed medications usually require a review of the supporting prescription documentation.
Multi-state travel nurses must take extra care to be aware of the marijuana laws in every state they are licensed to practice. Legal use in one state can trigger a failed drug screening test at a new assignment in another.Here our nursing license defense attorney reviews seven common questions professionals have about cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and medical marijuana: Marijuana laws are changing rapidly across the United States. Possession and recreational use of marijuana are currently legal for individuals over 21 in 19 states and Washington, D.C.: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Attorney Robert K. Weinberg is a former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience handling professional license defense, federal, DEA, and state criminal defense matters. Robert is an authority in the complex intersection of licensing and criminal law for professional licensees and healthcare corporations. He has handled over 5,000 cases, licensure administrative hearings and jury trials.Most nursing and medical school programs require drug screen testing during the admission enrollment process. The requirement stems from the fact that schools must maintain compliance with health care organization rules, regulations, and accreditation standards.
Physicians and nurses need to do their research and be careful about the CBD they consume and trust. Even though most CBD products claim to have less than 0.3% THC content, these claims can be unreliable. The FDA does not regulate CBD, and THC levels are usually not listed on the bottle. Vaping or otherwise consuming certain CBD oils can put your job and license at risk.
Since medical school programs include clinical immersion experiences that involve students in the delivery of health care, medical students are subject to pre-clinical testing through urine drug screening (UDS). Each schools’ drug screening requirements must comply with their affiliated healthcare organizations’ accreditation and regulatory requirements.If the level of marijuana usage turns into a substance abuse problem that interferes with a nurse’s work performance, the Board of Nursing can initiate nurse license disciplinary actions.
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So I’m currently applying to law school in my last year of undergrad, and just a quick thought I had was if any of you know any lawyer that still enjoys burning up. I assume some law firms have drug tests but is there some negative stigma against lawyers that still smoke. Now that I’m old enough I can easily say I prefer smoking a J and reading a book then slamming drinks at a club. Give me context/your own stories etc.Even though pain management is one of the most common reasons people report for using medical marijuana in the United States, there is limited evidence that marijuana works to treat most types of acute or chronic pain.
Although some research suggests that states that legalize marijuana use for medical purposes experience a reduction in opioid prescribing and opioid-related deaths, other research that examines the impact of medical marijuana policies over a longer period of time indicates marijuana legalization is not associated with decreases in opioid overdose deaths and that prior research findings could be coincidental.Importantly, using marijuana either alone or in combination with opioids has been shown to increase risk for opioid misuse. There is no evidence that marijuana works to treat opioid use disorder. FDA-approved medications are available to treat opioid use disorder.
If you or someone close to you needs help for a substance use disorder, talk to your doctor or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or go to SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locatorexternal icon. Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain and include prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids (like fentanyl). More than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2019 in the United States, and two in three of these overdose deaths involved an opioid. Learn more about opioids and the drug overdose epidemic. A few studies have found that marijuana can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain (a specific type of chronic pain caused by damaged nerves).However, more research is needed to know whether marijuana works better than other options to manage pain.Just because you get headaches from time to time, it doesn’t mean you’re allowed to purchase or use medical marijuana. To receive approval for this treatment option, you must have one of these qualifying diseases decided upon by the State of Florida.
Our team at Flynn Law is ready to help you understand the Florida statutes on these policies. Just give us a call at 941-800-1140 today to set up a FREE CONSULTATION.
Certain restrictions have been put in place to help control medical marijuana usage. Florida law limits the amount of weed patients can purchase at one time.While state regulation now allows for the medical use of marijuana, it can only be used within a private residence. If you are caught smoking or ingesting medical marijuana in a public place, you may receive a ticket whether you are medically needy or not.We have years of experience in winning drug-related cases throughout the Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, St. Petersburg, and Tampa areas. Let us explain the facts about Manatee County weed usage to you before you risk breaking the law.When a physician decides to treat an illness with marijuana, they will write a 45-day prescription to the patient. The maximum quantity of weed individuals can purchase at one time is this 45-day amount.
Does weed affect sperm count?
Does marijuana affect sperm count? Yes. According to the data in this study, marijuana decreased the volume of semen, sperm count and altered the sperm’s shape.
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.Cannabis can help remedy this autoimmune condition by promoting individual immunity. Proper diet, right body functionalities and a balance in all systems in the body are what cannabis has to offer.
Cannabis continues to grow in popularity in regards to the numerous benefits it delivers to the human body, and some medical experts have wondered whether or not cannabis can also aid in preventing hair loss.
Sometimes, though, a person can experience hair loss that involves losing vast chunks of hair. As a result, they can suffers premature balding, which impacts an individual’s self-esteem.
Hormonal imbalances are one of the significant causes of hair loss. Women experience hair loss after childbirth associated with low levels of estrogen in the body and during menopause due to the change in their hormonal composition.
Cannabis-based CBD help individuals combat stressful situations by inducing a calming and relaxing effect. Cannabinoids in cannabis can cause social behavior, which helps individuals interact, reducing their stress levels.The human hair has a growth cycle that starts with Anagen depicting the growth stage, Catagen, which is the middle stage and Telogen, which is the third stage where the shedding of hair occurs.
Is weed good for your hair?
Cannabis contains vitamins that help protect your hair from damage. They prevent excessive dryness, which can cause hair breakage and other scalp conditions that result in hair falling off. These vitamins are antioxidants, including vitamins E, A, and C.
Cannabis-based cannabidiol provides the body with essential nutritional components that ensure healthy hair and prevent loss. CBD oil canada contains a significant amount of omega fatty acids, including 3s, 6 and omega 9.These oils keep your scalp and hair healthy by maintaining the moisture content. At the same time, they stimulate hair growth, which prevents balding from hair loss.
Cannabis contains vitamins that help protect your hair from damage. They prevent excessive dryness, which can cause hair breakage and other scalp conditions that result in hair falling off. These vitamins are antioxidants, including vitamins E, A, and C.
Furthermore, it aids people to sleep and find relief from the plaguing memories resulting from an accident or emotional shock that comes with a traumatic event. All these are beneficial as they provide the right environment for your hair to grow.Unregulated production of DHT in the body is another factor that increases hair loss and causes baldness in men. Individuals who are sensitive to the hormone DHT suffer from androgenic alopecia and often become bald.
As a result, there is an interruption in the natural balance. The medical conditions result from stressful situations, pain due to other conditions, low immunity and hormonal imbalances, among others.
CBD also has high protein content, which helps strengthen the hair strands. It promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which are fundamental for hair growth and strength.Arizona marijuana laws are governed by a complex combination of statutes, including A.R.S. § 36-2853 (SSAA) and A.R.S. § 13-3405 (criminal statute pertaining to marijuana). Those laws overlap, so it is important to understand how that overlap affects your actual use of marijuana.
In 2020, Arizona voters passed a referendum that legalized marijuana for recreational use. The Smart and Safe Arizona Act (SSAA)—which is also known to locals as Proposition 207 or “Prop 207”—made it legal for adults 21 and older to possess, cultivate, and use marijuana. The law also provides for the licensing of dispensaries that can legally sell marijuana to consumers.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not contain legal advice. If you have questions about the law or need legal advice, please contact an attorney. The information in this article is accurate as of 2023, but may not remain accurate as marijuana laws are constantly evolving.The SSAA is not a free-for-all when it comes to marijuana possession and use. A list of strict rules governs the recreational use of marijuana (and marijuana concentrate, i.e., THC oil) in Arizona. It’s critical that you know the rules and follow each one of them. New York lawyers can advise clients on how to comply with the state’s new recreational marijuana use law and accept payment for their services via equity ownership in a cannabis business, the state’s premier bar group said. The Empire State also becomes the biggest state where attorneys ethically can consume cannabis recreationally. They also can grow it, subject to certain limits. Colorado and Washington state also permit lawyers to consume cannabis, and California last year said attorneys can counsel clients on state marijuana laws.One set of issues—to be dealt with in a later article in this series—regards advising clients with respect to marijuana-related businesses. The question presented by this article is, however, more fundamental: is it an ethical violation for a lawyer to commit a federal offense by using marijuana?
Various states have legalized the use of marijuana; many for medicinal purposes, and a few for recreational use. The cultivation, possession, transportation, or use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, which raises multiple ethical issues for lawyers. 21 U.S.C. § 811. The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution unambiguously provides that if there is any conflict between federal and state law, federal law prevails. Gonzales v. Raich, 545 U.S. 29 (2005). Thus, for purposes of ethical analysis, the use of marijuana still must be considered a crime.
Colorado Bar Association Formal Ethics Opinion 125 (lawyer’s use of medical marijuana, without more, does not violate Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, which are patterned after the ABA model rules). A lawyer can, therefore, ethically use marijuana on Friday night and, if sober, return to work on Monday morning without committing an ethical violation.
Is it possible to clean lungs after smoking?
Lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to heal themselves once they are no longer exposed to pollutants. The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding harmful toxins like cigarette smoke and air pollution, as well as getting regular exercise and eating well.
Many kinds of illegal conduct reflect adversely on fitness to practice law, such as offenses involving fraud and the offense of willful failure to file an income tax return. However, some kinds of offenses carry no such implication. Traditionally, the distinction was drawn in terms of offenses involving “moral turpitude.” That concept can be construed to include offenses concerning some matters of personal morality, such as adultery and comparable offenses, that have no specific connection to fitness for the practice of law. Although a lawyer is personally answerable to the entire criminal law, a lawyer should be professionally answerable only for offenses that indicate lack of characteristics relevant to the law practice. Offenses involving violence, dishonesty, breach of trust, or serious interference with the administration of justice are in that category.
Second, such conduct would also likely violate ABA Model Rule 1.16 (“Declining or Terminating Representation”), which requires the lawyer to terminate representation when “the lawyer’s physical or mental condition materially impairs the lawyer’s ability to represent the client.” A lawyer under the influence of marijuana is materially impaired, and thus must not practice law while in that condition.
A lawyer’s use of marijuana may also affect the lawyer’s colleagues. ABA Model Rule 8.3 (“Reporting Professional Misconduct”) requires that a colleague report the ethical violations of another attorney when “a lawyer . . . knows that another lawyer has committed a violation of the rules of professional conduct that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer’s . . . fitness as a lawyer in other respects.” Substance abuse is one area where reporting a colleague may be required. Accordingly a lawyer regularly using marijuana while practicing law may create a burden on his or her colleagues.A lawyer who uses marijuana over lunch and returns to work that afternoon while still under the influence of marijuana probably does violate the rules of professional conduct, however. First, ABA Model Rule 1.1 (“Competence”) requires lawyers to be competent. A lawyer under the influence of marijuana likely is not.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: . . . (b) commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects . . . .This Article is published for general information, not to provide specific legal advice. The application of any matter discussed in this article to anyone’s particular situation requires knowledge and analysis of the specific facts involved.
Thus the question presented is whether smoking or otherwise consuming marijuana, without more, rises to the level of “moral turpitude.” The general view is that it does not. E.g.
Frequent cannabis use also can lead to poor nutritional choices. A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to poor hair health, including dryness, breakage, and even thinning or loss.Cortisol, a hormone produced naturally within the human body during periods of stress, is known to affect the function and cyclic regulation of the hair follicle. Contrary to popular belief, THC can increase cortisol levels in the body. This can trigger telogen effluvium, an acute form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles enter the telogen phase of the cycle prematurely.Marijuana contains over one hundred chemicals called cannabinoids, with the two best known being THC and CBD. They are similar to a class of chemicals the human body naturally produces called endocannabinoids that attach to receptors in various organs, including hair follicles. The THC in marijuana attaches to these receptors in a similar fashion and, in doing so, can inhibit the growth of the human hair follicle, according to a 2007 study conducted by the University of Debrecen. This means that cannabinoids can inhibit proper development and growth of the hair shaft, thus inducing hair loss.Whatever may be causing your hair to thin or fall out, DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is here to help. We offer numerous treatment options, where one or more can quite possibly work for you. How to find out? Contact us today for a free consultation with our expert and experienced medical team. Whether recreational or medicinal, there is vast scientific and anecdotal evidence suggesting that marijuana has anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and anti-cancer properties. Cannabis (in various forms) can also be used to provide relief to adults suffering from chronic pain, seizures, muscle spasms, and glaucoma. Whether you’re looking for hair restoration centers in Boston or hair restoration centers in Connecticut, the best hair transplant needs the best hair restoration surgeon. To get the best FUE (IGT™) or FUT hair transplant, choose DiStefano Hair Loss Restoration Centers.As for the impact on hair, some regular smokers claim that it thickens their hair while others report no significant changes, positive or negative. On the other hand, one can find evidence to suggest that marijuana use sometimes triggers hair loss. The truth is, people have vastly different physiological and emotional responses to marijuana, including how hair follicles respond to it.
Is weed good for anxiety?
Many people report using marijuana to cope with anxiety, especially those with social anxiety disorder. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses. CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all doses that have been tested.
If you and your doctor decide the benefits of combining certain serotonin-level-affecting drugs outweigh the risks, be alert to the possibility of serotonin syndrome.Serotonin syndrome can occur when you increase the dose of certain medications or start taking a new drug. It’s most often caused by combining medications that contain serotonin, such as a migraine medication and an antidepressant. Some illicit drugs and dietary supplements are associated with serotonin syndrome.
Taking more than one serotonin-related medication or increasing your dose of a serotonin-related medication increases your risk of serotonin syndrome. Know what medications you take and share a complete list of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you suspect you might have serotonin syndrome after starting a new drug or increasing the dose of a drug you’re already taking, call your health care provider right away or go to the emergency room. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
For example, serotonin syndrome may occur if you take an antidepressant with a migraine medication. It may also occur if you take an antidepressant with an opioid pain medication.
Other nerve cells in the body, primarily in the intestines, also produce serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in regulating the digestive process, blood flow and breathing.A number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs may be associated with serotonin syndrome, especially antidepressants. Illicit drugs and dietary supplements also may be associated with the condition.
Serotonin is a chemical that the body produces naturally. It’s needed for the nerve cells and brain to function. But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures). Severe serotonin syndrome can cause death if not treated.Also talk to your doctor about possible risks. Don’t stop taking any medications on your own. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, make sure he or she knows about all the other medications you’re taking, especially if you receive prescriptions from more than one doctor.
Although it’s possible that taking just one drug that increases serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome in some people, this condition occurs most often when people combine certain medications.
Milder forms of serotonin syndrome may go away within a day or two of stopping the medications that cause symptoms and, sometimes, after taking drugs that block serotonin.Some people are more likely to be affected by the drugs and supplements that cause serotonin syndrome than are others, but the condition can occur in anyone. In recent years, natural remedies and “detoxification” diets have gained popularity as a quick and trendy way to eliminate toxins from your body. While some products are marketed to aid in overnight weight loss, improved digestion or enhanced energy levels, others claim to reverse years of damage to organs such as your lungs. While detox remedies seem like a great concept, unfortunately, many claims made by companies selling dangerous and unproven treatments are exaggerated and can even be harmful, particularly products that can be inhaled.
With a quick internet search you can find countless products that allegedly cleanse your lungs in a matter of days or less. A variety of pills, vitamins, teas, oils, salt inhalers and masks are just a few types of items marketed as a cure-all for lung damage such as that caused by smoking. But do these products really work?
Here’s the good news: there is a way to improve your lung health without pills and concoctions. Lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to heal themselves once they are no longer exposed to pollutants. The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding harmful toxins like cigarette smoke and air pollution, as well as getting regular exercise and eating well. Some common ingredients in supplement-based cleanses have been shown to have positive results, such as Vitamin D, which plays an important role in boosting immune system responses and helps to reduce airway inflammation. But most of these detox products are not FDA approved and do not have adequate scientific data to recommend the routine use of natural remedies for prevention. “There are some aerosolized products (or vapes) that contain ‘essential oils’ which are promoted as being healthy but inhaling any kind of oil or other lipid [oils] can be dangerous,” said Dr. Norman Edelman, Senior Scientific Advisor to the American Lung Association.A 17-year-old female presented to a large community ED by emergency medical services (EMS) from her home for a possible seizure. EMS providers had witnessed agitation, altered mental status, tachycardia, muscle stiffness and tremors in the limbs, and administered 10 milligrams (mg) of midazolam intranasally. History was obtained from the EMS providers and the patient’s parents who were present in the room. The patient had been taking sertraline 50 mg daily and had also been prescribed a short course of cyclobenzaprine 5 mg every eight hours, as needed, for “muscle aches.” According to the parents, the patient had taken “a few” but stopped the cyclobenzaprine as it was not effective. No history of drug overdose or recent illness was obtained.
Psychotic states, cardiac toxicity, and neurotoxicity have been reported as clinical sequelae of THC-induced toxicity.4,6 Our cases show additional harmful side effects of highly concentrated THC when abused by adolescents in its vapor, or “dabbing” form. Although the cases did not show all of the hallmarks of a true serotonin syndrome, some overlap existed in physical exam findings. Serotonin syndrome may show vital sign abnormalities such as tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperthermia. Physical exam findings of serotonin syndrome may reveal agitation, ocular clonus, dilated pupils, tremor, deep tendon hyper-reflexia, muscle clonus, dry mucus membranes, and flushed skin with diaphoresis.7
As more states legalize marijuana, the potential of marijuana abuse could lead to an increase in the number of emergency department (ED) visits. We describe two patients who presented to the ED with dilated pupils, rigidity in both lower extremities, and clonus in both feet after inhaling the vapor of a highly potent form of marijuana. Serotonin syndrome diagnosis was initially considered in the differential diagnosis. Ultimately, high-potency marijuana abuse was the final diagnosis. Therefore, marijuana toxicity should be considered in ED patients who present with signs and symptoms similar to that of serotonin syndrome.
Medical marijuana and cannabidiol have been used and proved to be medically safe and effective; however, as marijuana use grows there is increased access of cannabinol products, including high-concentrate THCs. Our cases reflect that adolescents who abuse THC by heating and then inhaling the concentrated vapor, can present with signs and symptoms that mimic serotonin syndrome. For that reason, high-potency marijuana abuse should be considered when encountering young adults in the ED with these exam findings.As the legalization of cannabis becomes prevalent in the United States, effects from its abuse will result in an increase in emergency department (ED) visits.1 We have witnessed a growing trend in our community ED among adolescents abusing a highly potent form of marijuana, butane hash oil (BHO). BHO is a concentrated form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is created by using liquid butane as a solvent to extract THC from marijuana plants. As butane is highly flammable, reports of burns and explosions have been reported from the synthesis and use of BHO. A popular trend called “dabbing” involves heating the concentrated oil and inhaling the resultant vapors. These vapors contain very high concentrations of THC, as high as 90% pure. Adolescents may use e-cigarette devices to abuse BHO as a delivery device. Such devices are easily concealed and produce almost no odor, thus leading to the potential for abuse at school and in the home.2,3Upon arrival to the ED, the patient was obtunded (likely secondary to benzodiazepine), but would occasionally follow commands. Her Glasgow Coma Score was eight, scoring two points for eye-opening response, two points for verbal response, and four points for motor response. Vital signs revealed blood pressure of 135/81 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), pulse 124 beats per minute (bpm), rectal temperature of 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and 97% pulse oximetry on room air. Physical exam revealed dilated pupils of six millimeters (mm), normal neck exam, normal lung sounds, a soft and non-tender abdomen, and normal heart sounds. A neurological exam revealed rigidity in both lower extremities with a sparing of rigidity in the arms. Deep tendon reflexes showed sustained clonus in both feet, and the presence of hyper-reflexivity in the patella tendons bilaterally but with normal reflexes in the upper extremities.Previous case reports have shown BHO abuse may lead to agitation along with neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.3,4 Since THC may activate serotonin receptors and inhibit serotonin reuptake, its abuse in high conce
ntrations may mimic serotonin syndrome.5 We present two cases of adolescents with recent “dabbing” use who exhibited signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
A 16-year-old male took “a hit from a dab pen” while on the bus to school. He developed altered mental status and was transported to the ED. On arrival he was mildly obtunded, Glasgow Coma Score was 13 (three for eye-opening response, four verbal response, and six motor response). Vital signs were recorded as blood pressure 152/86 mmHg, pulse 116 bpm, oral temperature 98.6° F and 100% pulse oximetry on room air. Physical exam showed dilated pupils to five mm, tachycardia, and rigidity of the lower extremities with non-sustained clonus in the legs bilaterally. Lab results were normal with the exception of a drug screen positive for THC. This patient slowly improved over six hours of observation in the ED and was discharged home.
Can bongs cause lung damage?
Some heavy cannabis smokers develop areas of severe damage in their lungs that cause air pockets. This irreversible form of emphysema (bullous emphysema) causes severe breathing difficulties. The evidence for the link between so-called “bong lung” and cannabis use is — you guessed it — unclear.
Lab results showed a normal complete blood count, normal creatine kinase, normal comprehensive metabolic profile, normal arterial blood gas, normal prolactin level, and a urine drug screen positive for THC. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia, and a non-contrasted head computed tomography was normal. Serotonin syndrome was considered in the differential diagnosis. After pediatric critical care and pediatric neurology consultation, one oral dose of cyprohepatidine 4 mg was administered. The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was normal, and an electroencephalogram showed no epileptic activity. The patient rapidly improved and was discharged the following day. Prior to discharge, the patient admitted to “dabbing” about 30 minutes prior to arrival to the hospital. The same patient returned to the ED the following night with a similar presentation, once again associated with dabbing.The Super Lawyers patented selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year. We know lawyers and make it easy to connect with them.
Can weed cause hair loss?
The THC in marijuana attaches to these receptors in a similar fashion and, in doing so, can inhibit the growth of the human hair follicle, according to a 2007 study conducted by the University of Debrecen. This means that cannabinoids can inhibit proper development and growth of the hair shaft, thus inducing hair loss.
Transporting marijuana will be an issue for most users, and the law is strict in this area. Users cannot smoke in their vehicles, or any type of transportation vehicle, for that matter. If someone is going to transport his or her pot or edible, it must be in the unbroken, sealed container it was purchased in—or in an acceptable childproof container. Otherwise, an open container must be stored in a locked space outside the cab, such as a vehicle’s trunk.
How many cigarettes equal a joint?
5 cigarettes Sign up now for a weekly digest of the top drug and alcohol news that impacts your work, life and community. Smoking a single marijuana joint is equivalent to smoking 2.5 to 5 cigarettes in terms of damage to the lungs, largely due to differences in how pot and cigarette users smoke.
If police suspect use while driving, they will treat it like driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)—a very serious offense. There is no developed testing method for determining whether a driver is impaired by marijuana. Police will look for certain signs of marijuana impairment from a driver—signs that, unfortunately, are sometimes present in unimpaired drivers.Anyone using or transporting marijuana should be cautious and consider public transportation or taxis to get themselves around while using. Users leaving a smoking lounge or legal smoking event and getting in their vehicles may be sitting ducks for law enforcement.The law legalizing marijuana in California made use within smoking lounges legal. Most lounges are connected to dispensaries. California cities can outlaw smoking lounges within their limits, and many have, but most California smoking lounges are clustered around the largest cities and tourist areas, like Los Angeles. More and more, lounges are being planned as cities determine whether to allow them. Further, a growing location for legal use is marijuana-accepted lodging. There are many resorts, Airbnb listings, and events that allow marijuana smoking on their premises. A quick Google search will point out a host of providers marketing themselves to pot smokers. Perhaps the biggest concern for pot users is where they can get high. The blunt response is that, while pot is legal, nearly all property in California—public or otherwise—is off-limits to marijuana use. There are a few small pockets of legal use, and the largest of those legal locations for use are private residences.However, there are still many cannabis laws in place that restrict the use of THC in California. Residents and tourists must understand the marijuana laws or they put themselves at risk of not only a bad trip, but arrest.
You can purchase marijuana at one of the several hundred marijuana dispensaries located throughout the state; you just have to show a government-approved form of ID, like a driver’s license.As of January 2018, it’s legal to smoke marijuana or cannabis products for recreational use in the state of California. This is good news for the many residents and potential tourists to the state.
An individual can purchase, daily, approximately 1 ounce (28.5 grams of cannabis) of the smokable stuff—as well as small amounts of oils, edibles, concentrate, vape and similar products.
There is still the concern with federal law enforcement, as any possession of marijuana is still illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. However, there appears to be little effort by federal law enforcement to step in.
There is no restriction for Californians or their guests to smoke in their private homes if they are the owner of the residence. However, for those that are renters of their homes, or short-term lodging guests, the property owner or landlord can ban marijuana use on their property. And many do. If you are in the unfortunate position to be living or staying in a property that bans use of marijuana, there are a few options left.
Adults between 18 and 21 years of age can only smoke medical cannabis, with a physician’s recommendation, or state of California medical marijuana ID card.
Can weed cause serotonin syndrome?
3,4 Since THC may activate serotonin receptors and inhibit serotonin reuptake, its abuse in high concentrations may mimic serotonin syndrome. 5 We present two cases of adolescents with recent “dabbing” use who exhibited signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Residents and tourists should ensure they are prepared for any questioning from law enforcement while possessing, transporting, or using marijuana. They should bookmark experienced southern California criminal defense attorneys, or their counterparts in northern California and San Diego, all of whom are ready to step in and protect someone facing trouble. Smoking pot is legal for adults in Colorado if they abide by certain restrictions. Yet no professional should let it affect their work. You would no more accept your attorney turning up stoned to work than you would your child’s woodwork teacher turning up drunk. New York’s state bar just made it clear that its attorneys can use marijuana if doing so legally. The Colorado Supreme Court considered the same question back in 2014. They agreed with the Colorado State Bar that if the use is legal, then merely using it is not unprofessional conduct.
That is what you would have to prove to win a legal malpractice case. You would have to show that it affected their ability to do the job you were paying them for. If you can prove they were stoned in court or have evidence of them smoking a joint around the back of the courtroom before entering to represent you, you might succeed.
Does weed help with pain?
A few studies have found that marijuana can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain (a specific type of chronic pain caused by damaged nerves). However, more research is needed to know whether marijuana works better than other options to manage pain.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.So you cannot file a legal malpractice lawsuit against an attorney who lost you the case just because they use marijuana. It’s the same as how you would not consider filing a lawsuit against them because you saw them having a beer in a bar once. If they turn up seeming spaced out, you would understandably be unhappy. If they then proceed to lose your case, you might wonder what you can do about it. Contact us online or call 303-872-5712 to schedule a free initial consultation. If you are unable to come to our Denver office, attorney Viorst will come to you. Messages left after business hours are always promptly returned.
What illegal drugs cause serotonin syndrome?
Illicit drugs, including LSD, ecstasy, cocaine and amphetamines. Herbal supplements, including St. John’s wort, ginseng and nutmeg. Over-the-counter cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan (Delsym)
In Washington State—where recreational use is legal—the state bar’s ethics panel issued an advisory opinion in 2015 that gave lawyers a green light to, well, light some green. Even there, however, permission to get high came with a couple of important caveats: First, marijuana consumption must not interfere with lawyers’ ability “to provide competent legal advice and otherwise comply with” their ethical obligations; and second, the conclusion that marijuana use by an attorney does not violate ethics rules “may have to be reconsidered” if the Federal Government reverses course on stated enforcement priorities.
First of all, and contrary to common belief, marijuana can be addictive. Research suggests that roughly 10 percent of users become addicted, with that number increasing among those who start young (to about 17 percent) and those who use marijuana daily (to 25-50 percent). Furthermore, long-term marijuana users who try to quit are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety and drug craving, all of which can make abstinence difficult to attain.
Perhaps of particular concern to driven, hard-working lawyers, however, long-term or heavy use of marijuana has also been linked to something known as amotivational syndrome (which is basically what it sounds like), though it does not occur in the majority of users and some dispute that it even exists. Columbia professor Lambros Comitas has published research on the subject, including his acclaimed but controversial “Cannabis and Work in Jamaica: A Refutation of the Amotivational Syndrome.”
