MMJ: a battle, a search, a situation.

How is the battle for statewide medical marijuana regulation coming along? — Winky the Wonk

Bwahahahaha! It’s actually making some progress. It looks like bills AB 266 and AB 34 have been merged into one bill. It appears that medical marijuana regulation will be given to the Board of Equalization. In my opinion, this is a decent idea. State Controller Betty Yee has been an advocate for well-regulated medical cannabis dispensaries (and the millions of dollars in state taxes) for years. I have seen her at rallies and protests. I think she would do a great job. The bill is due for a floor vote this week.

I’m trying to find some organically grown medical cannabis. Any ideas? — Mary Meds

Sure. First, you should know that cannabis can’t be classified as “organic” because that word has been deemed a federal classification, like “Prime” beef or “Grade A” eggs. Since marijuana is prohibited by the federal government, cannabis growers aren’t allowed to use that word. However, there are a few folks that use organic practices. There is a company called Clean Green Certified that runs a program. They use a variety of guidelines to ensure best practices. They have a list of growers and products that meet them on their website. Your best bet may be to find an “organic” cannabis farmer in your area, or just ask your budtender.

OK, so I do have my license and I’m currently looking for a job, how does that even work? Do I tell the employer right away? Do I take a drug test and fail, then tell them? I’m so confused. — Mrs. A. S.

Testing a prospective employee for drugs is an invasion of privacy. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees privacy unless there is reasonable suspicion, so if you aced the interview and got offered the job, what is there to be suspicious about? But I digress.

If the test is just a one-time thing, you could just quit using cannabis for a week or three and pass. If there are constant tests, you should tell your employer that you have a medical condition and are using cannabis under the advice of a physician. They don’t have to know why you use cannabis. Perhaps your employer is also a user. Be advised: You may not get to keep your job. There is no automatic job protection. Good luck.