CoRE Releases Position Paper Offering Crucial Insights on Risk of Cannabis Impairment in High-Risk Jobs 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2025

Calgary, Alberta—The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE), in collaboration with Dr. Charl Els, is pleased to announce the publication of a new position paper, Cannabis in Safety-Sensitive Industries.  Endorsed by the Occupational and Environmental Medical Association of Canada (OEMAC), this paper has been published for peer review in the Comprehensive Clinical Medicine academic journal. The paper updates a 2018 guidance document aimed at helping OEMAC members, employers, and stakeholders understand the effects of cannabis use on safety-sensitive and decision-critical jobs.   

Cannabis was first legalized in Canada for medical use in 1999, and subsequently for recreational use in 2018. It is widely used and the most commonly encountered substance in workplace drug testing in Canada. While legal access has increased, so have the challenges associated with identifying and managing cannabis-related impairment.  

“The conversation around cannabis in safety-sensitive jobs is incredibly important. When first legalized for recreational use in 2018, we realized employees would likely be going to work and may not recognize the risk of impairment. We felt it crucial to engage in discussion and to offer employers guidance around continuing to keep workplaces safe,” said Dr. Charl Els. “With a growing body of case law, as well as new scientific evidence available over the past seven years, we now have a clearer understanding of how to navigate this complex issue for employers, employees, and the public. The 2025 update confirms the 2018 guidance.”  

Developed in partnership with Dr. Charl Els and CoRE, the revised guidance is grounded in current research and real-world clinical experience. 

Key Findings & Recommendations

• Impairment from Cannabis: Cannabis impairs memory, reaction time, coordination, and judgment, raising accident risks, especially in safety-sensitive workplaces. 
• 24-Hour Safety Window: Workers should avoid safety-sensitive tasks for at least 24 hours after using cannabis, as scientific evidence suggests potential for residual impairment beyond immediate intoxication. 
• Evidence-Based Caution: Research on cannabis use suggests a cautious approach to impairment in jobs requiring high cognitive function. Employers should prioritize safety, particularly in high-risk industries. 
• Legal Considerations: In contrast to the U.S., Canada’s framework requires case-by-case evaluations of impairment, ensuring that employer policies uphold worker rights while also protecting public and workplace safety. 

“Workplace safety depends on clear policies, ongoing education, and a commitment to protecting workers. Canada’s case-by-case approach empowers employers to make informed, fair decisions about cannabis use and workplace safety. One-size-fits-all policies simply won’t stand up—legally or scientifically—which is why this guidance update is so important,” says Kym Kaufmann, CoRE CEO. 

This updated position paper provides a timely resource using data collected since the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018.  The aim is to share findings with employers and health professionals who become aware of cannabis use in high-risk workplaces. 

Next Steps & Policy Implications

For more information or to access a Research Summary, video summaries or the full “Cannabis in Safety-Sensitive Industries” position paper, please visit here.

About CoRE 

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) was established by the Alberta government to translate research into action leading to improved recovery-oriented systems and outcomes for individuals with mental illness or addiction. CoRE advances its work through system level applied research and evaluation; comprehensive data and analytics; expert advice and clinical guidance; and leadership and collaboration to enable the best possible outcomes for Albertans.   

Media Contact: 

Michelle Gurney 

Executive Director, Communications and Engagement 

Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence 

Email: communications@recoveryexcellence.org

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