Ontario Prepares for Pot Legalization

You probably read President Clive Thurston’s article in the last issue on the challenge of dealing with legalized cannabis. OGCA has now submitted our comments to the consultation process being conducted by the Ontario government on regulating the substance.

The Province has the responsibility of regulating legal pot. This is a difficult challenge: determining a minimum age, distribution channels, control of producers, quality control and enforcement, and it must be in place in ten months. The very last issue the government was considering is the impact of workplace usage on occupational health and safety.

We already have a substance abuse problem and soon legalized recreational cannabis will send the message that all is well, enjoy a little buzz, it’s something to enjoy.

Approximately 40% of traumatic workplace fatalities in Ontario involve the use of prescription drugs, illegal substances and alcohol. Too many workers are not fit to work now as a result of abuse of various substances. Recreational cannabis will only compound the problem and employers have few tools to manage the increased risk.

OGCA has submitted our comments (click here to read them). We will continue to work to ensure the legislation gives employers the ability to manage the challenge.