ECA Ottawa

Cannabis Information

With Cannabis legislation now in effect, there remain many questions with regards to its legality and use in the workplace. Ontario currently has strict rules in place to make sure workplaces are safe. On the Ontario government website, it states that  ‘Consuming recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal and will continue to be after legalization.’ As far as medical cannabis is concerned, there are rules you will need to know. Below are links covering several areas for your reference.

Rules for the workplace

Ontario currently has strict rules in place to make sure workplaces are safe. Consuming recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal and will continue to be after legalization on October 17, 2018.

Employers (and supervisors):

  • need to know the rules for medical cannabis
  • will be required to address workplace hazards, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

Employees and workers:

  • who are unable or unfit to work safely could be a hazard to themselves or to others in the workplace
  • have a duty to perform work safely and to report any hazards to their supervisor or employer under the OHSA

See additional rules related to cannabis use in the workplace, including for commercial drivingwhere you can use recreational cannabis and using medical cannabis in the workplace.

Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis is subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government.  If a health care professional has already authorized you to use cannabis for medical reasons, your access will not change when recreational cannabis is legal.

The only way to purchase medical cannabis is from:

  • a federally licensed producer online
  • by written order
  • over the phone and delivered by secure mail

You can also receive a license from Health Canada to grow medical cannabis on your own, or designate someone else to grow it on your behalf.

Learn more about accessing cannabis for medical purposes.

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