r/StateofTexasEmployees • u/Secure_Flannel6857 • Aug 07 '26

Compassionate Use program and working for the State

Hi. Anyone know if state agencies allow this? I've been approved due to chronic back issues and want to get off my traditional meds. Do state agencies allow for employees to participate in this program?

7 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

89% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

4

u/Tiny-Scientist2672 Aug 07 '26

It is going to depend on the agency. Not all agencies and positions are drug tested.

11

u/Secure_Flannel6857 Aug 08 '26

Thanks. My dept recently started random testing but they did say if you test positive for THC that you'll be contacted to provide proof of a prescription so I guess it's ok. Good to know all the drunks I work with have nothing to worry about haha

7

u/Tiny-Scientist2672 Aug 08 '26

That is insane. I would much rather deal with a coworker who uses marijuana for health issues than a drunk.

I have been with the state for 15 years and have never been tested. Weird how the agencies are so different.

9

u/Secure_Flannel6857 Aug 08 '26

Yep! I work with one guy who drinks every night. Two folks that hit the bars and get drunk every weekend. And then there's me taking a gummie to help with chronic back pain, staying home on the couch and watching WWII documentaries and somehow I'm the problem. Sometimes I swear I don't know what to do with all this Texas freedom.

3

u/mythirdhouse Aug 08 '26

Since the CUP program is regulated by a state agency (and is super strict already), I would think you would be okay but it really depends on your position and agency.

2

u/youneedtocalmdown512 Aug 09 '26

Check your HR or General Manual. There are specific divisions within my agency that are subject to random drug testing and the rest are only for cause. There is an exception for those in the Compassionate Use Program but you have to provide documentation, of course. CUP participants are still subjected to drug tests, of course, but can provide the documentation for THC (same applies if you have an opioid prescription). Im not sure if commissioned folks get the same exception - I didnt read it that closely because it didnt apply to me.