Ask Ethel

Get the scoop on all cannabis-related questions from Arkansas’ expert advice columnist, Ethel Mertz.

By Ethel Mertz
Photography By Ebony Blevins

Consider me your modern-day Ethel Mertz from “I Love Lucy.” I want to be your friend, your confidante, and a guide to all your cannabis-related questions.

Dear Fear,

I send my message with love and no gloves. Yes, you can be penalized and yes you can be fired. Companies choose their own rules as it relates to anything. Alcohol, drug use, etc.

You will find that many national companies are beginning to relax their ruling regarding cannabis and THC in your system as we now rest at over 30 states that have legalized cannabis in some fashion.

Locally, however, it would be advantageous to understand what those rules are prior to applying, and if employed, what those rules are in totality.

Cannabis remains in your blood stream longer than most substances (we can go down that rabbit hole another day), so it can feel most times like we are penalized for utilizing a plant that has so many medical benefits.

One of my goals is to begin speaking to companies in our state in hopes to educate them about cannabis, its use, and how they might be passing on great members of their team because they are medical patients.

With love,

Ethel

*Ethel is an entertainment personality. She shares her opinion, not medical or legal advice. 

Dear Prudence, 

I hope you ask yourself that with any drug you are prescribed to better understand what will happen as they interact. My auntie always said, ‘they call it medical practice for a reason,’ and only YOU can truly tell the professionals what’s working best for you to be the best version of you. It’s wildly important that you advocate for yourself in any and every physician’s office.

That said, cannabis seems to have fewer drug interactions than most. However, there are some. Every dispensary in the state is required to have a pharmacist that specializes in cannabis interactions on call. All patients (and you) should consult your dispensary pharmacist before trying cannabis.

We have heard several success stories over the years of patients eliminating several of their prescription medications in lieu of cannabis and continue to the take the drug they might need the most along with it.

Good luck and we are here if you need!

Love, Ethel

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“One of my goals is to begin speaking to companies in our state in hopes to educate them about cannabis, its use, and how they might be passing on great members of their team because they are medical patients.”