Medical Examination Report Failed Drug Test

Hello guys forgive me as I'm not a trucker, but I found that this forum is probably the best place for me to ask this question.

I'm a fresh EMT and am looking to get my Ambulance license, and we need to complete a Medical Examination Report from the DOT. Everything should be fine for me except for one question on the form "Have you ever failed a drug test or been dependent on an illegal substance?" A few years ago, when I was in college, I use to drive busses for the school where I had a CDL , and like a dumb college kid I was smoking some weed during my off time, and wouldn't you know it I ended up in a random drug screening one day, failed cause I had marijuana in my system and was fired. Well, a few months later my medical card was up for renewal, and I went to the chiropractor my old job was using. I left the question blank for him (that's what the receptionist told me to do if any of the questions were "yes") and when he asked about it, I told him what had happened and he just went "oh that's no big deal," (we are in California after all) and he just bubbled in no on the form. Went to the DMV and filed all the paperwork with no problem.

I ended up not renewing my CDL when the time came to do that later as I no longer needed it (not the best choice I made but whatever) and now I once again have to complete another MER. The question I have is, do I just answer no again to "Have you ever failed a drug test or been dependent on an illegal substance?" even though I have a failed drug test on my record? I mean in my last experience there seemed not to be a problem. And if I answer yes is that going to cause any problems? I'm not nor have been dependent on illegal substances (I only smoked occasionally and have given it up in the past few months). Should I just go back to that same chiropractor? (I do live a few counties away now so it will be a drive would prefer to go somewhere more local).

Thank you guys for taking the time to help me out with this. Owe yall one

John, nobody here will recommend falsifying a medical examination report. You can’t answer “no” because that’s not true. The lie will catch up to you sooner or later regardless of what happened on past reports. A falsified entry on a medical report form will put an end to a driver’s career as sure as the sun comes up.

Better to tell the truth and hope that you get an opportunity to explain yourself. Or just accept the consequences of your own actions.

BK hit the nail on the head. Having integrity and being truthful in this industry is a must. If caught in a lie and it doesn’t matter if working for a trucking company or driving an ambulance, said company is going to question what else you’ve been lying about. It will catch up to you end of story.

John, nobody here will recommend falsifying a medical examination report. You can’t answer “no” because that’s not true. The lie will catch up to you sooner or later regardless of what happened on past reports. A falsified entry on a medical report form will put an end to a driver’s career as sure as the sun comes up.

Better to tell the truth and hope that you get an opportunity to explain yourself. Or just accept the consequences of your own actions.

Those check boxes ("Ever failed a drug test?", "Ever been convicted of a felony?, "Ever eaten a frog in a challenge?") can be troublesome for the rest of your life. But as noted, be up front with your answer. You have a good point - "a few years ago ...". And hope for the best.

Thank you, guys, for the help. I don't plan on lying and will explain it all in the form. I don't think this will be too big of an issue (This is California after all, and I don't think the examiner or any agency I apply for will care about some weed I did a few years ago). But I was just wondering, would I be subject to any drug testing or hair follicle testing?

But I was just wondering, would I be subject to any drug testing or hair follicle testing?

When you go to orientation, yes you will be subject to a urine test for sure. The hair follicle test just depends on the company. I've never had to do hair follicle testing at any company I worked for. I don't worry about it cuz I have never done drugs.... couldn't afford them and support my critters or vehicles at the same time.

Laura