Nightmare for employers if cannabis legalised – expert

NewsHub 7 May 2019
Family First Comment: “An employment expert is warning legalising cannabis will be a nightmare for employers wanting to ensure health and safety in the workplace.”

An employment expert is warning legalising cannabis will be a nightmare for employers wanting to ensure health and safety in the workplace.

On Tuesday, the Government announced Kiwis will vote on legislation to legalise recreational cannabis at the 2020 election.

Draft legislation will include an age restriction of 20 years to use cannabis, regulations and commercial supply controls, and limited home-growing options.

Cannabis consumption would be allowed within private homes and on licenced premises.

That concerns employment law specialist Max Whitehead, who told Newshub employers already face the issue of alcohol consumption disrupting workplace productivity and health and safety.

Legalising cannabis may only add fuel to that fire and lead to frequent drug tests for employees.

“We have already got alcohol which is impairing employees’ judgement and their ability to work in unsafe situations. Drugs are only going to compound that matter,” he said.
READ MORE: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/05/nightmare-for-employers-if-cannabis-legalised-expert.html