Yo, what’s up? This is Dan, and I’m here to talk about CDLs and MMJ cards. If you’re a truck driver, you know all about the importance of having a commercial driver’s license (CDL). And if you’re into smoking weed, you might be thinking about getting a medical marijuana card (MMJ). But did you know that having a CDL and an MMJ card don’t mix?
First off, let me break it down for you. A CDL is a must-have if you want to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). There are different classes of CMVs depending on weight. If you wanna drive any of them, you need a CDL. And in certain states like New Jersey, you need one to drive a van, limo or bus.
Now, let’s talk about MMJ cards. You might be thinking that as long as you live in a state where weed is medically or recreationally legal, you’re good to go. But hold up – if you have a CDL, it’s not smart to apply for an MMJ card. Here’s why.
As a truck driver, your life ain’t easy. You spend long hours behind the wheel, eating crappy food from roadside cafes. And let’s not forget the lack of exercise – it’s no wonder many drivers suffer from obesity and associated health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
But it’s not just physical health that’s affected – truck drivers also face stress, sleep apnea, depression, lung problems and fatigue. With all these issues, it’s understandable why some CDL holders might want an MMJ card to ease their symptoms.
And yes, you can legally apply for an MMJ card even if you have a CDL. But here’s the catch – once you have it and start using weed, you’re risking everything. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has made it very clear that its Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation does not allow the use of medical marijuana under state law.
So even though weed might be legal in your state, it’s still federally illegal. And as a federal employer, the DOT prohibits the use of Schedule I drugs like marijuana by safety-sensitive employees like CDL holders. If you test positive for weed during a drug test, kiss your career goodbye.
And let me tell you – getting caught with weed in your system is no joke. Employers can randomly test CDL drivers throughout the year, and if they suspect that you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving, they can immediately test you too.
A failed test or refusal to take one means suspension of your CDL until you complete the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional. It can be hard to find another job for up to a year or longer if you have a failed drug or alcohol test on your record.
So while it might be tempting to get an MMJ card as a truck driver with medical issues, think twice before doing so. Yes, it sucks that cannabis remains federally illegal and that CDL holders can’t use it even if they have legitimate medical concerns. But until the law changes or testing methods become more lenient, it’s just not worth the risk.
And let me add – even CBD products can be risky for CMV drivers. Make sure you only use items with full third-party lab reports to avoid consuming enough THC to show up on a drug test.
So there you have it – my take on CDLs and MMJ cards for truck drivers. Stay safe out there!