How to ... Cope with cannabis ruling
Understanding the rights of employers and employees is one way to avoid unnecessary disruption
Many employers were concerned about the Constitutional Court ruling that the private cultivation and private consumption of cannabis is not a criminal offence. The change has been unsettling for some companies, with reports of an increase in incidents of possession and use of cannabis at work. Norton Rose Fulbright labour lawyer Jonathan Jones says understanding the rights of employers and employees is one way to avoid unnecessary disruption. He has the following advice: • The cultivation, possession or use of cannabis in the workplace remains illegal. "The use of cannabis is restricted to the private space of the individual only." • Employees who come to work high can be disciplined, especially if this may result in occupational safety concerns; • Make sure all managers and workers understand what is acceptable to avoid any misunderstanding; • Update all employment policies to state that the cultivation, sale, possession and use of cannabis in the workplace is prohibited, as is bei...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.