I am currently a student at the University of Massachusetts on the pre-med track, and plan on taking EMT-basic courses over the summer. I am in fantastic academic standing, volunteer in my free time, and already have a job working in the hospital in my hometown, so please don't give me the "smoking pot is for lazy idiots" speech. I have been diagnosed with depression (specifically dysthymia) and self medicate by smoking cannabis. Getting a medical marijuana card is not possible for my situation, as my doctor is only willing to provide anti-depressants which don't quite do the trick as well as pot. I'm aware that I will have to test prior to getting a job in the field, but am curious as to whether or not I should stop smoking prior to taking the COURSES (the other threads mainly discussed testing prior to a job). The courses will be taken in Massachusetts, if that makes any difference. There was already a similar thread posted, but it did not provide much help. Any insight into this topic would be much appreciated, thanks!