Some workers have been stood down while others face stigma or are hiding their use. But reform could be on the way
He was prescribed the drug three years ago and informed his employer, as required by his contract. But last year the company said its new policy stipulated that staff taking medical cannabis must not consume products containing THC – a compound commonly associated with the drug’s psychoactive “high” effects .
Zariko, 33, was prescribed medical cannabis six months ago for anxiety and sleeping issues. She is firm in her belief that it has improved her productivity at work.Victorian parliament’s upper house will next week debate a motion to establish an inquiry into workplace drug testing regulations and consider potential reforms around medical cannabis.
Trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can be detected in urine tests for up to 30 days after consumption. This means people can test positive to a drug test, despite the effects having long worn off. Reform advocates say this means medical cannabis users are treated as though they have consumed an illicit substance.
But lawyer Mat Henderson says it will likely take a workplace medical cannabis discrimination case to be won to spark reform.
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