Millennials will challenge marijuana policies of companies—HR Expert

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As it stands, the policy adopted by most companies T&T for marijuana use or possession is termination.

But after the Government decriminalised possession of 30 grammes or less on 23rd December, 2019, some organisations are now forced to review their policies.

At a conference held today by the Employers’ Consultative Association of T&T (ECA) on marijuana’s impact on the workplace, the ECA announced that based on a survey done by the Association, 50 per cent of companies do not have a policy for marijuana. There were over 170 responses to the survey.

Panellists focused on the OSH implications attached to cannabis, the psychology of the drug and how Human Resource departments should treat with decriminalisation of marijuana.

HR panellist, Dr Hyacinth Guy, noted that marijuana stays in the blood for two weeks and in urine, for much longer. She believes millennials will push the envelope because of this.

“Because the drug stays in the system, the younger working population would question their right to smoke during their personal time,” Dr Guy observes, “as the test cannot detect if they smoked this morning or a week ago. Supervisors will need to be trained. Companies may want to consider relaxing some policies. I recommend having a second chance policy, as well as a policy on medical marijuana.”

Dr Guy told conference participants that usage may vary based on the type of job. She says millennials may argue that their job is not a safety-sensitive job, leaving room for them to use the drug in their private lives.

The ECA is expected to develop a policy template to guide companies on the issue, which they can adapt and adopt.

Story by CARISA LEE