Although marijuana was legalized for recreational use on October 17, 2018, employees do not have a right to use the drug in the workplace. In fact, employers still have the right to establish policies pertaining to the use and possession of marijuana at work, which is important in safety-sensitive positions. Employers should update existing drug and alcohol policies, which can include a zero-tolerance rule that forbids the use and possession of marijuana at work and forbids the employee from attending work while impaired. An employer, however, does not have the right to discipline or terminate employees who may have an actual or perceived addiction, as they could be protected under human rights legislation.
