Cannabis

I am going through the High Road course and this came in:

Anyone convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle with any amount of drug, substance or compound resulting from unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act or controlled substance listed in the Controlled Substance Act is disqualified for a minimum 12 months.

With the recent legalization of cannabis in some states, how is this going to affect the rules for CDL holders? Now, I am not advocating anything here. But this stuff stays in your system for awhile if you smoke it. And *if* a driver was on his/her time off and partook of some legal weed, chances are it would still be in his/her system when returning to work. And *if* there was a random test waiting upon return to work, there would have to be some explaining to do.

So how is this all going to play out? I'm sure the best policy would be NOT to partake, even if it is legal in some states. But I am sure there may be a bonehead or two out there that may want to push the envelope.

Hi Steven, the reason people are forbidden to use marijuana is although it is legal in many states, it is still not legal by the federal government. everything truck driving is federal government and in reality drugs and 80,000 pounds just doesn't go good together.

Steven, even if in the future marijuana consumption was legalized by the federal government, I would be willing to bet that it would still be on the list that commercial drivers are not allowed to take. Other than the fact that alcohol leaves the system so fast and does not leave any trace of itself in the hair follicles that it too would be on the list.

There would be No explaining to do. Just pack your stuff and leave.

I agree 100% with TailGunner. I'm sure some folks are going to try the "I was on hometime and it's legal in my state" thing. I am equally sure it will meet: "We know. Still a violation in trucking, though. Clean out your truck and find a way home and it is my duty to inform you we will be reporting a failed drug test to DAC and anyone else that sends a request for information for the next 3 years." As far as the future? I sincerely suspect we will all (even those still in school) be long retired before it will ever be an acceptable if done responsibly indulgence like alcohol is. At least for drivers anyway.

Hi Steven, the reason people are forbidden to use marijuana is although it is legal in many states, it is still not legal by the federal government. everything truck driving is federal government and in reality drugs and 80,000 pounds just doesn't go good together.

No they don't mix. And never will!

Don't be a bonehead!

This thread is akin to the Drinking in the Truck thread. Why risk your livelihood?

When it comes to what's approved for commercial driving, it really has less to do with what's legal and more to do with what's safe for driving. Anything that impairs your judgment or motor skills will be illegal to use as a commercial driver even if you have a prescription for it. Marijuana will always be illegal to have in your system as a commercial driver for that reason.

Anything that negatively interferes with an individuals senses, particularly while operating machinery and places peoples lives in jeopardy is not (and hopefully will never) be allowed. If there is one thing, and only one thing I can agree on as for Federal Regulations it is this.

I think our country should go a little further in the law, such as in Japan. If an individual causes an injury and/or death of a person(s) as a result of drugs and alcohol, however slight the impairment is, then the individual responsible for the incident should pay the life wages lost of his or her victim(s). I also think that for Professional Drivers, should be a ONE STRIKE your OUT....lifetime ban on ever driving commercial again.