The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has relaxed its policy on recreational cannabis use for its members, now requiring them only to be fit for duty when reporting for work. This change replaces the Mounties’ previous policy from 2018, which mandated a four-week abstinence period before duty.
The new policy aligns the RCMP with many other police forces. The National Police Federation, representing nearly 20,000 RCMP members, welcomed the change, advocating for policy review since 2020.
The new policy emphasises that all RCMP employees must be fit for duty and not impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances while working.
It acknowledges the varying risks of impairment from substances like cannabis and emphasises the importance of abstaining from use to avoid safety risks.
Importantly the policy excludes certain roles, like underwater divers and pilots, who must follow their professional governing bodies' requirements.
Check out our Medical Cannabis - Workers' Rights and Employer Obligations webpage for information on the Victorian situation.