Marijuana and the Workplace: Issues, Impacts and Responsibilities

Marijuana and the Workplace Issues Impacts and Responsibilities for a Single Unique User Course (Online subscription only)
 
 
 
 
 
Cannabis and the Workplace
 
 
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used mind-altering substances in the world. As more jurisdictions consider tolerating, decriminalizing, or even legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, and as more people are granted licenses for the medicinal use of the drug, the greater is the likelihood that cannabis use will impact any individual workplace. Employees under the influence of cannabis can create a host of workplace issues, from decreased productivity to safety hazards. The best approach for an employer is to be proactive ? to have a plan in place for preventing problems and responding to them if, and when, they occur.
 
 
 
This workshop will help you teach participants how to:
 
 
 
Understand what cannabis and other forms of cannabis are and how they are used
 
 
Understand how cannabis use affects a person physically, cognitively, and behaviorally
 
 
Recognize the signs of cannabis impairment
 
 
Define the potential issues cannabis use creates in the workplace
 
 
Understand the legal rights of employers and employees with regards to cannabis use in the workplace
 
 
Respond to incidents of suspected cannabis use in the workplace
 
 
Develop a proactive workplace drug and alcohol policy
 
 
 
 
Course Overview
 
You will spend the first part of the day getting to know participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.
 
 
 
Drugs and the Workplace
 
This session will paint a picture of the prevalence of substance use-related problems in the workplace and the cost to employers in terms of lost time, decreased productivity, accidents, and other impacts.
 
 
 
Cannabis
 
What exactly is cannabis? Are the terms marijuana, hashish, and cannabis interchangeable? Students will learn about the cannabis plant, the products derived from it, and how they are used. They will become familiar with the lingo surrounding recreational cannabis use. Students will learn the short-term physiological, cognitive, and behavioral changes that take place, as well as the possible long-term impacts of cannabis use. They will learn the signs that indicate a person might be impaired.
 
 
 
Workplace Impacts
 
In what ways can cannabis use have a negative impact in the workplace? Students will discuss potential problems that can make the workplace less productive or cause legal headaches for the employer. An employee impaired by cannabis is an accident waiting to happen. Participants will identify potential workplace hazards. They will develop responses to the myths that cannabis use is ?not a big deal? and ?does no harm.?
 
 
 
Medical Cannabis
 
An employee has a license to use cannabis medicinally for a disability or medical condition. What does that mean for the workplace? Students will consider the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee in this situation.
 
 
 
How to Intervene
 
You suspect an employee is coming to work high. Now what? This session will explore the steps to take. Participants will consider a variety of scenarios and determine the best ways of addressing the issue with the employee, helping the employee get assistance if there is a substance-abuse problem, and ensuring the incidents don?t recur.
 
 
 
Drug and Alcohol Policy
 
Having an official drug and alcohol policy in place is one of the best ways for employers to be prepared for potential problems ? or avoid them altogether. Students will learn the benefits of a drug and alcohol policy. They will develop an outline of what should be included in such a policy.
 
 
 
Workshop Wrap-Up
 
At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.