On Monday, Austin City Council’s Public Safety Committee took a closer look at allowing them to use low-THC cannabis by prescription, for PTSD and other conditions.
Cannabis is also still illegal under federal law—so even if the city allowed it, certain first responders would still be barred from using it—such as those carrying guns, like Austin Police officers and Austin Fire arson investigators, and those who operate commercial vehicles. "I think what we’re trying to do is find a solution that keeps us square with all the regulations that are out there," said Arellano.
The move comes as agencies like APD and Austin-Travis County EMS deal with major staffing shortages. That led EMS back in November to remove a question from their applications regarding past marijuana use—but, as of now, first responders can still be fired if they test positive."We see people soldier on all the time through different mental health medications," said District 4 Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela.
"Booze is a thing that people do. We just do it," said Mayor Pro-Tem Natasha Harper-Madison. "We are just being very inconsistent here, and so I’d like very much to see us figure out how to be more consistent." So far, council has yet to introduce a specific proposal to allow prescription cannabis for first responders.
Arellano said he'll defer to individual agencies like police, fire and EMS, to address the issue themselves during the contract negotiation process.
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