With marijuana being legalized for medicinal use in Canada, it is expected its recreational use is soon to follow. Employers should take a proactive approach in dealing with this changing landscape by becoming familiar with laws and regulations surrounding the legalization. Marijuana is listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its medicinal use is regulated under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. The use of reasonable workplace policies is crucial to setting in stone what is and is not acceptable concerning medicinal marijuana use and possession in the workplace and at workplace social events. Employers also should consider using workplace policies to address the use of recreational marijuana.
