Manitoba Hydro’s Frequently Asked Questions re Cannabis / Marijuana Legalization @ Keeyask Site
Question: If marijuana is legal, why can’t I bring it to Keeyask site?
Answer: “Legal” doesn’t mean “allowed”
Marijuana may be ‘legal’, but you are not allowed to:
• Bring it on site
• Use it on site, &/or
• Work while under its influence
All site staff must be Fit for Duty at all times – that is, you need to be able to do your job w/o any limitations due to drugs or alcohol. Being under the influence of marijuana during work hours is considered impairment on the job. This is why Keeyask has a Drug & Alcohol Site Standard – to provide a safe workplace for all employees, workers, and contractors. The Keeyask Drug & Alcohol Standard will not change as a result of legalization of cannabis (marijuana).
You may be removed from the Project site and face disciplinary action from your employer, if:
• have illegal drugs, marijuana, &/or alcohol on you or in your luggage
• Report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or
• Refuse to submit to a search or test
If you use marijuana, it can remain in your body and cling to your personal belongings well past your time spent away from the Project Site
Question: How would you tell if you are still impaired or under the influence of marijuana?
Answer: Marijuana is different from alcohol. It stays in your body for a longer period of time after you have consumed or used it. Marijuana may show up on a drug test days after you have consumed / used it.
Even for infrequent users, marijuana can stay in your body for many days, depending on your:
• Age
• Weigh
• Gender
• Diet
You may feel no effects, but the level of marijuana in your system would still result in a positive test. There is no magic number of days to stop using before you return to work. To ensure you don’t test positive, the safest course of action is to stop using.
Question: How long does marijuana show in my system?
Answer: if you use marijuana, it can remain in your body and cling to your personal possessions well past your time spent away from Project site.
Again, marijuana is different from alcohol. It stays in your body for a longer period of time after you have consumed or used it marijuana may show up on a drug test days after you have consumed / used it. Depending on age, weight, gender and/or diet, MJ lasts in everyone’s system for a different amount of time.
There is no magic number of days to stop using before you return to work. To ensure you don’t test positive – the safest course of action is to stop using.
Question: Will employees be tested for marijuana use? If so, how?
Answer: The Keeyask D&A Standard will not change as a result of legalization of cannabis (marijuana). The current testing processes on site will also continue as established.
In general, all workers should be aware that:
• There are trained canines at Keeyask Project to detect drug residue &/or odors
• Your personal items may also be searched as a result of a canine indication;
• If the search results in reasonable grounds to indicate you may consume / use drugs and / or alcohol on the project site, a test may be done
Question: If I test positive, will I be evicted from site?
Answer: It’s your responsibility to ensure you are Fit for Duty
You may be removed from the Project Site and face disciplinary action from your employer, if you test positive for alcohol or drugs, including marijuana.
Question: If I suspect a co-worker is under the influence of marijuana, how can I report it?
Answer: Refer to the Keeyask Drug & Alcohol Standard, report any concerns to your supervisor and / or Manitoba Hydro safety personnel, or via the Keeyask Hotline: 204.778.4940
Question: I have a prescription for medicinal marijuana. Can I bring / use it at Keeyask?
Answer: Employees must inform their supervisor of any prescription or non-prescription medications that may affect their ability to work.
Use of any prescription that could impact a worker’s ability to work safely must be reviewed by the prescribing physician. The prescribing physician must review the workplace hazards and risks of medication, and determine if that prescription is safe to sue in the workplace.
For full information, inquire with your supervisor or Designated Contractor Rep about Fitness for Duty paperwork that your physician can fill out for you to return to your employer.
Question: What is the difference between marijuana, cannabis, THC, and CBD?
Answer: Marijuana and cannabis are synonyms, both referring to the genus of plants (cannabis sativa, cannabis indica).
Plants can be grown to maximize different compounds – CBS vs. THC – which have different properties / effects when ingested. THC produces the psychoactive effect which creates a risk to safety. However, it is not possible to fully remove THC from CBD, so smoking any type of marijuana / cannabis is still a risk
