responsible use of cannabis

Just because cannabis is legal doesn’t mean anything goes. If you choose to use it, make the choice to use it responsibly. Follow the rules. Understand the risks. Respect your safety and the safety of others.

Lower-risk use

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has developed Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines to help Canadians make responsible choices. Their advice includes:

  • wait until after adolescence to use cannabis
  • be informed about the product you’re using
  • avoid smoking cannabis, as it can damage your lungs
  • keep your cannabis use occasional
  • never drive high
  • don’t mix alcohol and cannabis
  • avoid using cannabis if you are prone to psychosis or have a family history of psychosis or substance use disorders
  • avoid using cannabis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Impairment in the workplace

Cannabis use can impact behaviour and the capacity to perform job tasks safely. Being impaired at work can affect your ability to focus, make decisions, follow instructions and handle equipment and tools.

Workplaces should have measures in place to reduce risk. This can include clearly outlined policies, training, and processes like hazard assessment.

There are no changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as a result of cannabis legalization. The Act already requires employers to establish an internal responsibility system and OHS program to address workplace safety. This includes addressing impairment in the workplace of any kind.

Rules around working while impaired from any substance still apply, regardless of whether the substance is legal or not, the reason for its use, or other circumstances such as accommodation.

For more information about workplace safety, visit the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Cannabis in Canada

Cannabis laws are different in each province and territory in Canada. This includes legal age, where cannabis can be sold and consumed, and possession limits.

When travelling in Canada, it is your responsibility to understand and follow local laws. Check out provincial and territorial websites for more details:

Cannabis and the border

Although cannabis is legal in Canada, it is illegal in most countries and it will remain illegal to transport cannabis across Canada’s borders. The Government of Canada has important information you’ll need to know before travelling.