Marijuana in the Workplace — Are You Ready for Changes?

September 14, 2016

Michelle Branigan

[This article was updated on July 11, 2017 — Ed.] 

As most readers will know, the federal government has introduced legislation to legalize marijuana, with a target date for the bill to become law no later than July 2018. In June 2016, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould announced the creation of a task force that will consult provincial, territorial, indigenous and territorial governments, as well as youth and experts in relevant fields like healthcare, criminal justice, economics, industry, and law enforcement. The findings of this consultation will inform the design of a new system of production, distribution and sales.

As a result, employers have less than a year to prepare for these changes and ensure their employment policies and procedures are equipped to handle workplace issues that may occur as a result of legalization. This is particularly critical when working in safety sensitive positions, as many in the electrical industry do.

Medical marijuana

Some of your employees may already have a prescription for medical marijuana. It can used to treat a wide array of medical conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Once prescribed by a medical doctor, it is treated as any other prescription drug. The employer must under human rights legislation accommodate the employee, unless the accommodation would result in undue hardship for the employer. The employee is also subject to certain obligations with regard to the use of medical marijuana in the workplace, particularly if they are in a safety sensitive position. If he or she does not let the employer know that they are using it during workhours they could forfeit the right to accommodation. Both parties need understand how the use of prescribed marijuana effects the employee’s ability to do their job, and what steps need to be taken next.

At the same time, there is a need to provide a safe working environment for all employees. This includes ensuring that those using marijuana medicinally do not harm those around them, be it through exposure to second hand smoke or the operation of equipment. Employers need to clearly communicate what, if any, uses of medical marijuana will be considered acceptable in the workplace, and ensure that all staff are aware of company policy and procedures as well as the disciplinary consequences(e.g. zero-tolerance policy, written warning, suspension) of breaking the use or reporting rules.

While we do not yet know what the government’s new legislation will look like, all organizations should take this time to review their current workplace policies dealing with medical marijuana. While these will likely mirror policies created to address any other use of prescription medication in the workplace, check for clarity and ambiguity in language. For example, are words like “Impairment” and “under the influence” clearly defined in your policy? Also give forethought to hiring policies in relation to recreational and medicinal marijuana users.

 


Michelle Branigan is CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada; http://electricityhr.ca.

 

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    August 18, 2025 By Brooke Stewart In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, electrical contractors are constantly pressured to keep their estimates competitive, often at the expense of healthy profit margins. Compounding this challenge are rising material costs, a shortage of skilled labor and siloed data, all of which make it increasingly difficult to stay competitive and… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    August 18, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Did you know that carbon emissions from this year’s Annual Industry Conference were offset? With the help of Hammond Power Solutions (HPS), EFC took an important step toward reducing our environmental impact by offsetting the emissions associated with the event. This milestone reflects a growing commitment within the electrical… Read More…

  • FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    August 18, 2025 In 2024, FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc.’s (collectively FortisBC) conservation and energy-efficiency programs helped lower gas and electricity use while helping create more comfortable living and working spaces for customers. Building on 2023 reductions, its gas programs cut close to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) 1 in 2024. “Our customers’… Read More…

  • BC Hydro Energy Storage Incentive

    BC Hydro Energy Storage Incentive

    August 18, 2025 Energy storage systems (ESS) provide reliability and resiliency for businesses and the grid alike while helping to reduce GHG emissions as an alternative to diesel backup generation. Storing energy can help manage peak demand charges, reduce peak loads on the grid and provide electricity during outages.  The offer BC Hydro are offering… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Blackline Safety Announces Quality Assurance Program Expansion

    August 18, 2025 Blackline Safety Corp. has announced a major expansion of its quality assurance (QA) program. As part of the expansion, the company has increased its QA team, upgraded its inspection equipment, and boosted in-lab testing of its entire product line. Headquartered in Canada with offices in the UK, France, U.S., and UAE, Blackline… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    August 18, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is pleased to announce the promotion of Sean O’Brien to Branch Manager of their Burnaby location, effective August 6, 2025. Sean brings over 15 years of experience in the electrical and lighting industry, with a strong background in sales, technical leadership, project management, and clean energy initiatives. He… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    August 18, 2025 BCCA is pleased to receive the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services’ Report on the 2026 Budget Consultation, and celebrates the emphasis placed on supporting BC’s construction industry and workforce. Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA, spoke to the Committee on the recommendations and priorities of BC’s construction industry. These included:… Read More…

  • NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    August 18, 2025 This program is designed to support the retention and progression to certification of women apprentices in the 39 Red Seal Construction or Manufacturing trades. The program pairs women apprentices with experienced tradespeople to provide guidance, career development, and support throughout their apprenticeship journey. The program is for 6 months, with the mentor and… Read More…