Can You Smoke Marijuana on Probation with a Medical Card?

Can You Get a Medical Card if on Federal Probation or Supervised Release?

Typically, individuals under federal legal supervision are prohibited from using substances that are illegal on the federal level, including marijuana, regardless of their states’ cannabis laws. This means that obtaining and using a medical marijuana card while on federal probation or supervised release could be treated as a violation of your probation or supervised release terms.

Can You Use Medical Marijuana on Probation?

The legality of using medical marijuana while on probation depends on the conditions of your parole and your home state’s laws. In some regions, individuals on probation may be allowed to use medical marijuana if they have a valid MMJ card. However, in other states, the use of any form of cannabis, including medical marijuana, may be strictly prohibited for those on probation.

If you’re on probation, it’s crucial to consult your probation officer to understand whether you can use medical cannabis without violating the terms of your probation.

What Other Drugs Violate Probation?

In the United States, individuals on probation are typically required to abstain from illegal drug use and, in some cases, are subjected to periodic drug tests. The following is a list of drugs that are generally off-limits for those on probation:

• Amphetamines (without a valid prescription, e.g., Adderall)
• Benzodiazepines (without a valid prescription, e.g., Valium, Xanax)
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• PCP (Phencyclidine)
• Prescription Opioids (without a valid prescription, e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)

What Happens When You Violate Probation for Drugs?

In the United States, the consequences for violating probation for drug use depend on the nature of the violation, the specific terms of your probation, and your criminal history. Typically, consequences range from increased supervision and mandatory drug counseling/testing to an extension of the probation or even imprisonment.

Ultimately, though, the decision as to how to punish the offender is left up to the discretion of the probation officer and the judge.

Conclusion

If you’re considering using medical cannabis while on parole, understanding your rights is paramount. Be sure to communicate openly with your probation officer to stay in compliance with the specific terms of your probation or parole. In addition, try to stay informed about the cannabis laws in your home state so as to avoid violating them.

If you don’t have an MMJ card but would like to obtain one, the Sanctuary Wellness Institute can help. We can connect you with a medical marijuana doctor and guide you through the process of applying for a medical marijuana card so you can get one as soon as possible. Book an appointment with the Sanctuary today to discover whether you’re eligible for a medical cannabis card.