In the workplace, treat cannabis like you would alcohol, employers say
Employers prefer workers to be straight-laced Published Friday, October 19, 2018
Even though cannabis is now legal, many companies are reminding employees they won’t tolerate pot-smoking on duty. Kate Walker reports.
Cannabis is now legal, but that doesn’t mean anything goes.
Many employers are making it plain that they won’t accept cannabis use by employees during the work day.
So, here’s some words of advice for those who might be tempted to try: treat cannabis the same as you would treat alcohol.
“We haven’t hit Shangri-la with the legalization of marijuana,” said lawyer Michael Murphy. “There are still responsibilities that you have that are no different than if you drink and drive or show up intoxicated by alcohol at work.”
“We haven’t hit Shangri-la with the legalization of marijuana,” said lawyer Michael Murphy. “There are still responsibilities that you have that are no different than if you drink and drive or show up intoxicated by alcohol at work.”
There’s a misconception among some that with the legalization comes a less harsh penalty.
But employers say an easy fix for that is, first and foremost, a policy in place.
“If an employee did receive the policy and notwithstanding that came to work high, breaking the trust relationship, the employer may have grounds to fire them,” said lawyer Jack Haller.
Murphy, who was once New Brunswick’s health minister, says it’s about understanding the difference between recreational and work time.
“Some people seem to think that the old rules don’t apply and that we’re in a new generation. If it feels good do it, and if you show up reeking of marijuana with red eyes, that it’s OK; it’s not,” Murphy said.
For complete article https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/in-the-workplace-treat-cannabis-like-you-would-alcohol-employers-say-1.4141701