On October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal in Canada. The legalization of cannabis, however, does not change the fact that using it before or during working hours will cause you to be unfit for work and likely in violation of your company’s Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Cannabis use, whether recreational or medically authorized, affects a wide range of job functions especially where alertness and ability to react swiftly to unexpected situations is needed. Employees who are required to undergo alcohol and drug testing under a company’s Alcohol and Drug Policy will typically face disciplinary action if they test positive for cannabinoids, even if the cannabis is medically authorized or a legal recreational product. A positive test result is considered a policy violation under most alcohol and drug policies.
Furthermore, it’s important to understand that the purchase of edible products and concentrates is still illegal under the new legislation. The legal sale of edibles and concentrates is planned for October 2019, approximately one year after the Cannabis Act came into force.
Do your employees understand the impacts of cannabis use and how it can affect safe work performance? Are they aware that they may be in a discipline situation if they test positive for cannabinoids, regardless of when the product was consumed?
Corridor’s Workplace Alcohol and Drug online training includes a new module focused on cannabis in the context of Canada’s legalization. It dispels myths, explains impacts on work performance and outlines signs and symptoms of use. You can get this information out to your staff quickly and cost-effectively. Contact us for more information on how we can help.
