marijuana at work

Legalization and the workplace: Your questions answered!

March 8, 2019 Stringer LLP Employee Relations, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Training and Development

On October 17, the federal government legalized recreational marijuana use. At the same time, Ontario’s provincial government enacted the Cannabis Act and amended related legislation. Employers are rightly concerned about the possible impacts on the workplace.

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Update regarding the sale of cannabis in Ontario

September 4, 2018 Christina Catenacci Employee Relations, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources

Employers need to become aware of recent developments to the sale of cannabis rules and should note that Ontarians will only be allowed to use recreational cannabis in a private residence, including the outdoor space of a home. Recreational cannabis use will not be allowed in any public spaces, workplaces or motorized vehicles.

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Managing marijuana in the workplace

August 22, 2018 Employer Advisor, McCarthy Tétrault LLP Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources

The Tribunal’s helpful statement in this case that an employee does not have an absolute right to use marijuana in the workplace and that it would be unreasonable to expect an employer to formally test an employee to determine the level of impairment before it could raise health and safety concerns should provide employers with some reassurance.

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Cannabis regulations to support the coming into force of the Cannabis Act

August 1, 2018 Christina Catenacci Employee Relations, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources

In regards to cannabis in the workplace, employers are recommended to respond by proactively having appropriate policies and procedures in place, and training employees on these policies and procedures. Much will change in the coming months as cannabis becomes legal in Canada. Employers need to be prepared.

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Senate gives royal assent to Cannabis Act and it will become effective October 17, 2018

July 3, 2018 Christina Catenacci Employee Relations, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights

The Government of Canada has prepared some instructive material for Canadians in order to ensure that they are generally better prepared for what is to come now that Bill C-45 has received Royal Assent.

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Accommodation of medical marijuana

June 1, 2018 Rudner Law, Employment / HR Law & Mediation Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights

The right to accommodation, and the widespread acceptance of medical marijuana, does not mean that employees have a right to use marijuana at work. Safety considerations will be taken into account and although zero tolerance policies will not be automatically enforced, they will be enforced when appropriate.

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