Legalized Cannabis (Legislative Frameworks)
Drugs can have serious adverse effects on the safety and well-being of employees, contractors and the public.
Awareness of the potential risks associated with the use recreational cannabis is a vital first step in providing a safe workplace.
Did you know: Bill C-45, an act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other acts (the Cannabis Act) was introduced in the House of Commons on April 13, 2017. Effective October 17, 2018 recreational use of cannabis is officially legal across Canada.
The Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada. The Act aims to accomplish 3 goals:
- keep cannabis out of the hands of youth
- keep profits out of the hands of criminals
- protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis
Employers and employees should become familiar with Federal and Provincial legislation to determine the impact these may have related to the workplace.
To learn more about the federal government’s cannabis legislation visit: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/
To learn more about the provincial government’s (PEI) cannabis policy framework: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/cannabis-policy-framework
To learn more about the provincial government’s public awareness initiative: https://www.justthefactspei.ca/
