Marijuana use raises special mental health practice issues, even in states where the drug is legal.

What is it about?

Mental health professionals need to become familiar with special practice issues that can come up as the result of uneven state and federal laws governing marijuana use. This manuscript describes the current legal context and details important issues the counselors, psychotherapists, and mental health diagnosticians need to understand in order to best treat and protect their patients.

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Why is it important?

Because of differences from state to state and between state and federal law, some marijuana use that qualifies as legal in one state jurisdiction still could run afoul of federal law or laws in an adjacent state. Issues related to confidentiality, reporting mandates, and record keeping that protect patient rights are discussed.

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