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CoRE position paper offers insights into mitigating the risks associated with cannabis impairment in safety-sensitive jobs, like construction.
Navigating the risks associated with cannabis impairment in safety-sensitive jobs, like construction. (Photo: AHPhotoswpg / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)
To assist employers, employees and the public navigate the complex issue of cannabis use and the workplace, the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) has released a new position paper, Cannabis in Safety-Sensitive Industries, in collaboration with addiction psychiatrist and occupational physician Dr. Charl Els.
Endorsed by the Occupational and Environmental Medical Association of Canada (OEMAC) and published for peer review in the Comprehensive Clinical Medicine academic journal, the paper updates a 2018 guidance document aimed at helping OEMAC members, employers and stakeholders understand the effects of cannabis use on safety-sensitive and decision-critical jobs.
Cannabis was first legalized in Canada for medical use in 1999, and subsequently for recreational use in 2018. It is widely used and is the most commonly encountered substance in workplace drug testing in Canada, reports CoRE. While legal access has increased, so too have the challenges associated with identifying and managing cannabis-related impairment.
“The conversation around cannabis in safety-sensitive jobs is incredibly important. When first legalized for recreational use in 2018, we realized employees would likely be going to work and may not recognize the risk of impairment. We felt it crucial to engage in discussion and to offer employers guidance around continuing to keep workplaces safe,” said Dr. Els. “With a growing body of case law, as well as new scientific evidence available over the past seven years, we now have a clearer understanding of how to navigate this complex issue for employers, employees, and the public.”
The guidance is grounded in current research and real-world clinical experience and provides practical advice that Canadian employers can use at their workplaces and jobsites.
“Workplace safety depends on clear policies, ongoing education, and a commitment to protecting workers. Canada’s case-by-case approach empowers employers to make informed, fair decisions about cannabis use and workplace safety,” explained CoRE CEO Kym Kaufmann. “One-size-fits-all policies simply won’t stand up, legally or scientifically, which is why this guidance update is so important.”
The full position paper, additional information, and research summaries are available on the CoRE website.
Navigating cannabis on the job
Impairment: Cannabis impairs memory, reaction time, coordination and judgment, raising accident risks, especially in safety-sensitive workplaces.
Safety window: Workers should avoid safety-sensitive tasks for at least 24 hours after using cannabis, as scientific evidence suggests potential for residual impairment beyond immediate intoxication.
Prioritize safety: Research on cannabis use suggests workers and employers take a cautious approach to impairment in jobs requiring high cognitive function. Employers should prioritize safety, particularly in high-risk industries.
Legal considerations: In contrast to the U.S., the Canadian framework requires case-by-case evaluations of impairment, ensuring that employer policies uphold worker rights while also protecting public and workplace safety.