In 2015, the federal Liberal government pledged to legalize marijuana in Canada. In 2018, that pledge will become a reality. As such, there are many questions we need answered as the federal legalization of marijuana on October 17, 2018 could have a significant impact on the continuing care sector, especially on seniors and workers. In particular, the legalization of marijuana or cannabis may create new challenges for employers, such as exposing workplaces or care environments to new safety, legal, culture or other risks. Although cannabis use and impairment in the workplace is not a new concern, legalization has employers and stakeholders feeling anxious. Organizations in BC including Work Safe BC, for example, are already starting to prepare employers and workers with new resources by educating them about the hazards of being impaired on the job.
The legalization of marijuana is supported by a growing body of evidence that cannabis may, at least anecdotally, have health benefits including reducing the symptoms and treatment of pain, epilepsy, nausea as well as other health conditions – many of which are prevalent among the seniors population. Along with potential health outcomes, the legalization of marijuana is anticipated to increase provincial revenues. With these benefits, however, there are potential risks including to seniors or workers who may use marijuana but also to employers.
While this Care to Chat will discuss the potential pros and cons regarding the legalization of marijuana, it will identify and also highlight ways in which employers and care providers can better protect themselves from unforeseen challenges including safety, legal, cultural or other risks. This Care to Chat could also look at the experiences of other countries and American states that have already legalized marijuana including what pitfalls or benefits they have seen.
A multifaceted panel will be present to discuss these and other important issues in anticipation of the federal legalization of marijuana in October 2018. The panel, which will discuss how the legislative changes may impact seniors and more broadly the continuing care sector, will include a number of prominent experts such as marijuana advocates, pharmaceutical representatives, care providers, academic or law professionals as well as workplace safety personnel. With the pending legislation, the BCCPA believes this will be an interesting and exciting event on a very timely subject.
Care to Chat: Cannabis in Care: ‘Weed’ Like to Know
- Tuesday Oct 02 2018, 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
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Terminal City Club
837 W Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
V6C 1B6
