Can You Be A Teacher With A Medical Marijuana Card In 2024?

With cannabis laws changing frequently, many educators are wondering how these changes affect their professional lives. Are they allowed to obtain a medical marijuana permit and still be a teacher? What do the laws say?

Unfortunately, this is not a black-or-white issue, and the answer will depend on the state that you live in and even how your school district handles “drug-related” topics like cannabis.

Above all, most school districts across the United States require their teachers to attend school sober, so even if it is legal to hold a medical marijuana card, you won’t be able to participate during school hours.

Cannabis Cards For Teachers: State-By-State Breakdown

Curious what the medical marijuana card regulations are for your state? Check out our easy table below:

State	Legal For Teachers?*
Alabama	Varies by district
Alaska	Varies by district
Arkansas	Yes
Arizona	Yes
California	Yes
Colorado	Yes
Connecticut	Yes
Delaware	Yes
Florida	Varies by district
Georgia	No
Hawaii	Varies by district
Idaho	No
Illinois	Yes
Indiana	No
Iowa	No
Kansas	No
Kentucky	No
Louisiana	Varies by district
Maine	Yes
Maryland	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes
Michigan	Yes
Minnesota	Yes
Mississippi	No
Missouri	Varies by district
Montana	Yes
Nebraska	No
Nevada	Yes
New Hampshire	Yes
New Jersey	Yes
New Mexico	Yes
New York	Yes
North Carolina	No
North Dakota	Varies by district
Ohio	Varies by district
Oklahoma	No
Oregon	Yes
Pennsylvania	Yes
Rhode Island	Yes
South Carolina	No
South Dakota	Yes
Tennessee	No
Texas	No
Utah	Yes
Vermont	Yes
Virginia	Yes
Washington	Yes
West Virginia	Yes
Wisconsin	No
Wyoming	No

*Please be sure to:

• Verify with YOUR state and school district before using medical cannabis.
• Understand that these rules are for OFF-CAMPUS use. These rules do not permit teachers to use cannabis on campus.
• Understand that laws are constantly changing, especially in 2024. Check your local and state laws to verify this information.

Can Teachers Be Fired For Using Medical Marijuana?

As noted above, many states do not allow teachers to hold medical marijuana permits. This is primarily because cannabis remains illegal in many states across the USA. Public schools are also federally funded, meaning many abide by federal law.

Can schools drug test their teachers?

Schools indeed have the capacity to drug test their educators, but this practice is not widespread. This often stems from budget constraints and resource shortages within U.S. education systems.

Allocating funds for drug testing is not seen as an efficient use of limited resources. Furthermore, with the current challenges of teacher shortages created by unfavorable working conditions and low salaries, there’s a concern that drug testing could increase the loss of quality teachers.

Easiest Way To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In The USA

If you’re looking to get your medical marijuana card, the easiest way to do so is by using a service like Leafwell.

We have personal experience with Leafwell (I received my MMJ card in late 2023), and the process for getting my medical marijuana card was incredibly smooth and transparent.