Police officers likely free to smoke pot when it’s legalized

Provided they show up at work fit for duty, police officers will be free to smoke a joint with the neighbours when recreational cannabis becomes legal under federal law on Oct. 17.

While members of the Canadian Armed Forces must refrain from using cannabis in the eight hours before they report for duty and for 24 hours before handling a firearm, regulations for police officers don’t appear to be as tight.

The Vancouver Police Department won’t apply any specific time restriction between using cannabis and reporting for duty, which is consistent with the department’s policy concerning alcohol and prescription drugs.

The VPD will add cannabis to its current human resources language concerning prescription drugs and alcohol, a policy change that is in the final stages of approval, according to spokesman Const. Jason Doucette.

Police officers across the country will take a series of online classes on the new federal cannabis legislation, which includes the effects of the drug’s psychoactive compounds on the ability to drive.

The RCMP — with 127 detachments and 7,100 sworn members in B.C. — has not yet finalized its policy on the use of cannabis by its members, but hinted that prohibition is not in its plans, either.

When it is implemented, the policy’s goals will be to “maintain public safety and a safe workplace,” according to a statement from Sgt. Marie Damian.

“All RCMP officers must be fit for duty when reporting for work, which includes not being impaired by alcohol or any other type of drug.”