Sorting Through the Weeds: The Intersection of Legislation, Workplace Policy, and Medical Marijuana and Its Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation

Medical marijuana has proven to be quite effective in treating and addressing negative symptoms associated with a number of disabilities such as cancer, glaucoma, and chronic pain, and although its use is legal in 38 states, it is still considered an illegal substance at the federal level. The incongruent state and federal laws, along with the conflict between marijuana’s positive treatment benefits and the penalties associated with its illegal use, affect how rehabilitation counselors, specifically certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs), provide services to consumers in this position. In an effort to understand the impact of these factors, the current study sought to identify if CRCs and other related professionals (non-CRC such as mental health counselors, addiction counselors) support: (a) the legalization and/or decriminalization of medical marijuana, (b) amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure employment protections for consumers using medical marijuana, and (c) adjustments to agency policies that would prevent or lessen penalties for medical marijuana use. Significant results were noted only for decriminalizing medical marijuana. Implications from the study highlight a call for education and training, advocacy and ethical considerations, and consultation and collaboration.