It's important to disclose your medical marijuana use, rather than try to conceal it. To find out why, we need look no further than the ultimately failed grievance launched by the Newfoundland International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1620 on behalf of their employee, Brendon Uprichard.
How This Medical Marijuana User Lost His Job - Then Got it Back
The use of medical cannabis by patients who are employed and actively working raises the issue of impairment in the workplace. The employer has the right to expect all employees to be fit for duty although the discussion around impairment is most critical when a safety sensitive position is in play.
In Canada, the employer also has the duty to accommodate medical cannabis patients. This requires the employer to evaluate if an employee is in fact impaired from their prescription drug use.
We lack a clear definition of impairment resulting from cannabis, which only further complicates this issue. This makes the partnership between the physician, employee-patient and employer very important.
Cannabis Legalization Isn't a Hall Pass for Impairment at Work
Cannabis In The News
There has been a lot of talk about cannabis in the news over the past two weeks.
A Big Announcement
Did you hear about the Federal government's cannabis legalization announcement on 4/20? Exciting times. You can read about it here.
Where We're Featured
Cannabis at Work was mentioned in a Vue Weekly article, where Alison speaks about the upcoming Women Grow Edmonton launch event. [Read]
Metro Edmonton followed suit and Alison was on the cover of the April 29 print edition. [Read]
Last but not least, our friends at Lift Cannabis showed some love for Women Grow in their digital news. [Read]
We've had a great week and hope you have too.
Specific Ways Employers Can Accommodate Medical Marijuana Patients
Women Grow Edmonton Launches
Canada's Budding Cannabis Job Market
4 Things To Keep In Mind When Consuming Medical Cannabis At Work
Medical cannabis is becoming a more common treatment option. Employees who use medical cannabis may never need to use during work hours. However, some employees, like ones with a motion disorder, may need to use cannabis during their works schedule to manage their symptoms. If you need to use cannabis in the workplace, keep these tips in mind.
News: Weed + Work Seminar on March 11
I am pleased to announce that on March 11, 2016 I am delivering a workshop in partnership with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) on Medical Marijuana in the Workplace. This workshop will be held in Edmonton, AB.
More details can be found on the HRIA's website. Click here for event information.
Selling Cannabis: The Right Fit
As the Liberal government starts the conversation on legalizing marijuana, there has been a lot of talk about where to sell it.
Two big players have come forward with pitches to distribute: the B.C. Private Liquor Store Association and more recently, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. The argument by the liquor stores is the same: we are good at distributing one controlled substance (alcohol), so we will be good at selling other controlled substances (marijuana).
