What You Need to Know about Recreational Cannabis Use and the Workplace
With Marijuana now legalized for recreational use we know many employers are considering the implications it may have on their work place.
What you need to know:
- Consuming recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal.
- Consuming recreational cannabis in your car (or any vehicle) is illegal.
- Commercial Drivers, Learner Drivers & New Drivers are NOT permitted to have any cannabis in their systems at all, (even if not currently impaired) as measured by an oral testing device by law enforcement.
- Co-Employers and Supervisors are required to address workplace hazards, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
- Employees and Workers who are unable or unfit to work safely could be a hazard to themselves or to others in the workplace, and have a duty to perform work safely and to report any hazards to their supervisor or employer under the OHSA.
- Medical or prescription cannabis will continue to be subject to different rules than recreational or non-prescription cannabis, however ABL continues to enforce a zero-tolerance impairment policy.
- Smoke-free laws apply to smoking marijuana in the same manner they do to regular cigarettes.
Impaired Driving
Know what counts as impaired driving – before you get behind the wheel.
- How drugs and alcohol affect your driving
- What counts as impaired driving
- Zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers
- Medical cannabis users
- How police detect impaired drivers
- Tips to avoid impaired driving
Fit for work substance and impairment on the worksite
Click on the link to view the presentation:
FIT FOR WORK SUBSTANCE AND IMPAIRMENT ON THE WORKSITE.
The facts on marijuana legalization and the workplace:
Consuming recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal and will continue to be after legalization. Employees have never had the right to work while impaired, and the Cannabis Act won’t change that. In fact, the new legislation only allows individuals to consume marijuana in private residences—not in any public spaces.
Employers and Supervisors:
- Need to familiarize themselves with the rules for cannabis use.
- Will be required to address workplace hazards under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
- Must ensure that employees are aware of all rules and policies.
Employees and Workers:
- Who are unable or unfit to work safely could be a hazard to themselves or to others in the workplace.
- Have a duty to perform work safely and to report any hazards to their supervisor or employer under the OHSA.
The challenge of monitoring marijuana on the job:
Marijuana impairment can be difficult to detect, especially with the rise in popularity of odorless edibles. Workplace policies may need to be amended. For example, if a workplace policy prohibits employees from drinking alcohol on the job or at lunch, it will also need to prohibit them from using cannabis during work hours or on breaks.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the workplace remains a safe and productive environment for all.
Click on the link to read the Article:
Canada is going to fasttrack pardons for people convicted of pot possession
Chrissy