Are Canadian Employers Ready for Marijuana Legalization?

Recreational marijuana will soon become legal in Canada. Last April, the Canadian government introduced legislation to create a framework for the production, distribution, and sale of recreational marijuana by summer 2018. Employers need to be proactive about their policies regarding these changing marijuana laws as they pertain to the workplace.

Legalization of recreational marijuana raises the issue of how marijuana possession or use should be handled in the workplace or at work-related events. Employers are legally required to accommodate the medical needs of their employers under human rights legislation, both in the interest of individuals medically authorized to use medical marijuana and those suffering from addiction. It is incumbent upon employers to maintain a balance between the legal requirement to accommodate their employees and the overarching obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workforce.

The establishment of clear workplace policies is crucial to setting the bar for what is and is not acceptable concerning marijuana as it relates to the workforce. Training on workplace drug policies should accompany their implementation to ensure employee awareness and understanding.

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