If I have a card, will that guarantee that Child Services cannot take my kids away?

It depends.

Recently, the Oregon courts determined that marijuana use does not automatically mean bad parenting. However, you must make sure that you present the best possible case, should Child Services ever choose to intervene.

Keep your medical marijuana under lock and key, whether it be the plants in your yard, or your brownies. Make sure that your children understand that this is your medicine, not to be touched or shared with anyone else. Maintain order in your house and keep a low profile. Having your kids run about the neighborhood babbling about “mommy’s medicine” is attention that you probably do not need.

Discretion is the key word. As long as the negative stereotypes regarding marijuana continue to direct public policy, patients must be aware that certain behaviors will not be treated fairly.