The Risk

At work

Currently in Canada there are no federal labour laws around random drug testing in the workplace (aside from the military). However, an employer can order drug tests where there are grounds to do so. For instance:

• If the employer has reasonable cause to believe that the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work; or
• If an employee was involved in a workplace accident or "near-miss" incident at work

Contact us about workplace Cannabis Drug Tests.

When applying for a job

Some employers may request a drug test after making an offer of employment but before starting work. This allows employers to reduce the risk of hiring individuals who may pose a heightened safety risk to themselves and others in safety-sensitive work environments.

On the road

As of December 18, 2019 suspicion of impairment is no longer required. Roadside tests are now mandatory if legally stopped by the police while driving.

Police are now authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside to help enforce the law. The limit is 2 Nanograms of THC / ml.

Right after smoking, you can have over 80 Nanograms of THC / ml. If the cannabis is purchased from a legal source (Health Canada approved Cannabis) then the effects can last for up to 3 hours. After this time your THC levels will likely be under 2 Nanograms of THC / ml.

However, this does not mean that you are not high. You may continue to feel high, fatigued, tired, sleepy, and have other symptoms. Experts recommend that you must not drive after smoking until:

1. Minimum of 3 hours (ideally 5 hours) has past after smoking*, AND
2. You don’t feel “high” or any symptoms remaining from smoking, AND
3. Only if you absolutely have to go. Otherwise just relax and stay put.

When you smoke you are impaired. You should not drive or operate any motorized vehicles.