St. Jude Regulations on Marijuana

Marijuana is a drug made from the cannabis plant. It includes all parts of the cannabis plant, whether those parts grow or not. Marijuana contains the chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Having, using, or selling marijuana is against the law in many U.S. states, including Tennessee. It is also illegal under federal law. This means that marijuana is not allowed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Marijuana on campus and in St. Jude housing

Rules about marijuana for patients and visitors

St. Jude follows state and national laws about having and using marijuana. “Marijuana” at St. Jude means any form of marijuana, including oils and other things that contain THC. 

Marijuana is:

• Illegal in Tennessee, where St. Jude is located 
• Illegal under national law
• Illegal to give to anyone under the age of 18 in Tennessee

When you are on our campus or in St. Jude housing:

• You cannot have marijuana.  
• You cannot use marijuana. 
• You cannot include marijuana in any food or other edible item.
• You cannot give marijuana to anyone, including your child. 
• You cannot buy or sell marijuana. 
• You cannot store marijuana in any area on campus, including your car.

Do not bring marijuana with you from home, even if it has been prescribed in another state. No exceptions are made.

St. Jude doctors and staff cannot help a St. Jude patient get or use any type of marijuana. 

Enforcement of campus rules 

Security may be contacted if marijuana, including cannabis oil, is reported or discovered on campus or in St. Jude housing. If contacted, Security will investigate and take appropriate action to enforce Tennessee state law, including but not limited to possibly contacting the Memphis Police Department. 

The person who has marijuana may be asked to leave campus. They may also be denied future access to campus.

Risks of marijuana use

The staff at St. Jude work hard to make sure that your child is safe. Doctors do not know the medical benefits of marijuana. Few studies show that marijuana is safe or effective for patients.

Doctors also do not know how marijuana affects someone who is getting chemotherapy or radiation. 

Products with marijuana are not always made in a germ-free place. They are also not always made in the same way. Marijuana could contain fungus or other substances that could make your child sick.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) studies medicines to learn how safe they are and how well they work. The FDA has not fully studied marijuana. The FDA does not have rules for marijuana like it does for medicines.  

Two containers of marijuana that have the same label might not contain the same product. They might contain a different strength of drug or even a different drug. There is no way to tell exactly what you are getting when you buy marijuana.

If your child has used any form of marijuana, please tell your St. Jude doctor for your child’s safety. 

Side effects of marijuana

Marijuana can cause side effects such as:

• Hunger
• More interest in what you see, taste, or hear
• Mood changes or paranoia  
• Dizziness, slow movement, or clumsiness
• Confusion, difficulty thinking or remembering, or trouble learning 
• Red eyes, dry mouth, or increased heart rate or blood pressure
• Trouble noticing what is happening around you  

Cannabidiol, or CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound taken from the cannabis (hemp) plant. It does not have psychoactive effects. CBD from hemp is legal in Tennessee. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test or approve over-the-counter CBD products. 

CBD has few medical benefits and many of the same risks as marijuana. CBD is not covered by St. Jude guidelines. 

CBD may interact with chemotherapy, prescription, and over-the-counter medicines. CBD use may increase the chance you experience side effects and/or CBD could prevent your medicines from working. The risks of CBD use are there no matter how it is used—inhaled, by mouth, on the skin, or consumed in food. Please inform your medical team if you plan to use CBD when off campus so that they can evaluate your personal risks. 

Epidiolex

Epidiolex is the brand name for a drug called cannabidiol. It is not marijuana. It is a prescription medicine tested and approved by the FDA. Epidiolex is sometimes used to treat seizures. If your child’s doctor prescribes Epidiolex, they will provide guidance on how it should be taken.

Marinol 

Marinol is the brand name for a drug called dronabinol. It is not marijuana. It is a prescription medicine the FDA has tested and approved. Marinol is sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. If your child’s care team prescribes Marinol, they will provide guidance on how it should be taken.

Learn more

St. Jude provides approved medicines and therapies to help your child manage their symptoms and pain. Talk with your care team for more information.

St. Jude offers resources and support for those who need help with substance abuse and related concerns. Speak with a member of our Social Work team for more information.