Few first responders are allowed to consume cannabis off duty, even in states that have legalized marijuana. Though some groups have chosen to lighten up on their policies —no pun intended. In New Jersey, one city is suing to battle its cannabis policy change for police. Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) updated Mounties cannabis consumption rules this month.
Mounties cannabis consumption rules
Most will agree that it is essential firefighters, police, and EMTs are on duty with a sober mind. That said, there’s little information about how to gauge the length of time someone needs between consuming cannabis and working a shift to be 100% free and clear. Additionally, there aren’t reliable tests for testing how high someone is at the moment.
These factors led the RCMP to rule that Mounties must have a four-week interval between consuming cannabis and being on shift with the turn of federal legalization in 2018. This changed with the new year, however.
The Mounties are now permitted to smoke pot (or eat or vape it) while off-duty, provided they are “fit for duty” when reporting in. This means that officers can perform their responsibilities and remain sober from drugs, alcohol, and other substances.
Should first responders be allowed to smoke weed?
A supplement from the US Department of Health for a course called Helping Heroes estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop mental health conditions. These figures are more often diagnosed with conditions like depression and PTSD compared to 20 percent of the general public. Firefighters have higher suicidality rates, and estimates suggest that 125 to 300 police officers complete suicide yearly. Research also shows that firefighters often suffer from sprain, strain, and muscular pain injuries.
Cannabis research has shown promise for increasing the quality of life for patients with PTSD and that it may ease the pain and strife of injury. With this in mind, many firefighters and others in safety-sensitive positions have been asking why their policies haven’t been updated. But, ask a firefighter, and the story might be different.
A firefighting Reddit thread shows that specific departments aren’t pursuing drug tests provided work performance stays tip-top.
These departments allow responsible consumption to a certain extent:
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Others aren’t so lucky:
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The RCMP is the first to make a national move on the matter of pot for police. In the U.S., many departments seemingly have unspoken weed policies centering on responsible use and staying 100 at work. With the RCMP update, the battle in Jersey City, and more lax drug testing enforcement, cannabis policies may be moving toward change.
