The has eased its policy on cannabis use by members, saying simply they must be fit for duty when reporting for work.

The new substance use policy replaces a 2018 one that required front-line officers and many other employees in SA国际影视传媒渟afety-sensitiveSA国际影视传媒� positions to refrain from recreational cannabis use for four weeks before duty.

The change, implemented earlier this month, brings the Mounties in line with many other police forces on employee pot use.

The National Police Federation, which represents nearly 20,000 members, welcomed the move, saying the previous policy was SA国际影视传媒渘ot consistent with the police universe.SA国际影视传媒�

A recent statement from federation president Brian Sauve notes that union committees had been advocating for review and modernization of the policy since 2020.

The acknowledged last summer the 2018 policy was under review, with no final decision taken.

A spring 2023 briefing note, prepared for Commissioner Michael Duheme, had recommended a 24-hour restriction on cannabis use before reporting to work, with some exceptions.

SA国际影视传媒淧olicing organizations that initially had a zero tolerance or 28-day restriction have or are moving towards either a fit for duty or 24-hour abstinence requirement, or a combination of both,SA国际影视传媒� said the briefing note, obtained last year by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act.

The police federation had advised the that one of the most common inquiries at recruiting sessions related to the recreational cannabis use policy, the note added.

The new policy says all employees must be fit to perform their duties and carry out their responsibilities, and must not be impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances when on duty or at work.

SA国际影视传媒淪ubstance use can adversely affect job performance, conduct, the work environment, and the well-being of the user and of others, and can compromise the safety and security of policing services,SA国际影视传媒� says the policy, posted to the website Jan. 11.

It adds that the risk of impairment from substances such as cannabis varies depending on the person, use patterns and product quality.

As a result, impairment SA国际影视传媒渕ay differ from one user to another, and from one use episode to another. The most effective way to avoid any safety risk is to abstain from use.SA国际影视传媒�

The said it reviewed all aspects of the forceSA国际影视传媒檚 operations in crafting the new policy.

SA国际影视传媒� members work across Canada in a unique operating environment, as first responders, in rural and remote communities, and can be called back for duty at any time,SA国际影视传媒� the policy says.

The had no immediate comment on the new policy.

SauveSA国际影视传媒檚 statement says the policy excludes underwater divers and pilots, who must continue to follow the requirements of their professional governing bodies.

SA国际影视传媒擝y Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press