Do You Need to Update Your Drug Policy?

Many restaurants adhere to a zero-tolerance policy as it concerns drugs. As the cannabis industry grows and physicians have the right to prescribe it as a medication to treat an injury, many wonder how does this interact with my established drug policy. The following are some items to consider:

1. REVIEW- first you need to understand what your drug policy is. Some policies are substance abuse policies, and some policies are zero tolerance drug policies. Most substance abuse policies are responsive enough to deal with prescribed cannabis use.

2. UNDERSTAND- if you find your policy is not responsive enough, then take some time to first understand what issues you believe prescription cannabis use may bring. Are you mostly concerned with employees engaging in illegal activities? Then your definition of drugs can be more limited. Are you concerned with quality of work product and customer service? If so, then your policy should focus on use that contravenes that person’s prescription. As prescription use would not impact or impair quality.

3. REVISE- once you know what the policy says, now you can determine if it is effective for the dangers you are concerned about. Revise your drug policy to reflect both your workplace needs and your culture.

Here are some sample policies to help you along

Substance Abuse Policy

Substance Abuse Policy

Zero Tolerance