Substance Use Policy
Legalization update
The production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals became legal in Canada on October 17, 2019 under the Cannabis Act. New cannabis products will not be available for purchase in physical or online stores until at least mid-December. If you use any substance that could affect your physical state, ensure you know how to use them responsibly to ensure you remain fit for work at all times.
Cannabis use and being ‘fit for work’
The City of Calgary is prepared for the legalization of recreational cannabis. We already had a robust Substance Use Policy designed to protect and promote the health and safety of our employees and the public.
This policy sets out the expectations and responsibilities we have for those who work for us and our role as an employer when substances are involved. It covers the use of both legal substances such as alcohol, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications as well as illegal substances. The legalization of recreational cannabis just moves this substance from one category to the other. See the revised Substance Use Policy and Workplace Smoking and Vaping Policy.
Use this site to learn about our Substance Use Policy, how to comply with it and how cannabis legalization can affect your fitness for work.