Weed at Work: Impact on Workers’ Comp Claims in Ok?
Video Transcribed: What is the impact of medical marijuana on workers’ compensation claims in Oklahoma?
I am Tulsa medical marijuana business attorney Ope Adegbuyi, and since the legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, there has been growing interest in how it affects workers’ compensation claims. Here are some ways that medical marijuana can impact workers’ compensation claims in Oklahoma.
The first one is medical treatment. If an injured worker is a registered medical marijuana patient, they may be able to use medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan. This could include using medical marijuana to manage pain, inflammation, or other symptoms associated with their injury.
The second is drug testing. If an injured worker tests positive for marijuana, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may try to deny their claim on the basis of drug use. However, if the injured worker is a registered medical marijuana patient, they may be able to argue their use of medical marijuana is a necessary part of their medical treatment.
The third thing would be impairment. If an injured worker is using medical marijuana, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may argue that they’re impaired or unable to work. However, the injured worker may be able to provide evidence that the use of medical marijuana does not impair their ability to perform their day-to-day job duties.
The last thing would be compensability. In some cases, medical marijuana may be considered a compensable expense in workers’ compensation claims. This could include the cost of medical marijuana products as well as any other related expenses such as transportation or caregiver services.
The impact of medical marijuana on workers’ compensation claims in Oklahoma is relatively new, so it’s important for injured workers and employers to work with legal professionals to understand their rights and responsibilities. For more information, you can contact me, a medical marijuana defense lawyer in Oklahoma, at OklahomaMedicalMarijuana.Attorney.