Since April, cannabis consumption in Germany has been liberalized within certain limits. But how do you deal with the consequences of smoking weed in the workplace? The chemical industry has a clear stance.
Following the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, chemical employers and employee representatives are calling for a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace. The employers’ association BAVC and the trade union IG BCE jointly announced that the new legal situation would pose challenges for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, particularly for occupational safety. It has therefore become necessary to update the social partner agreement from 1996. The motto “zero alcohol and zero cannabis and zero intoxication” applies to work and education.
Warning of “loss of concentration and motivation”
In the agreement, both sides warn of the dangers of the drug. While the consequences of alcohol consumption are known, the effects of other addictive substances cannot be estimated with certainty. This includes cannabis. Short-term memory, estimation of distances and ability to react could suffer and a “loss of concentration and motivation” could become noticeable. An increased willingness to take risks is also possible. “This can increase the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.”
BAVC and IG BCE recommend that managers and works councils make employees aware of the issue of cannabis consumption. The aim of the agreement is to protect employees, consumers and the environment from the risks of drug-related misconduct, said BAVC Managing Director Mathias Schöttke.
The controversial cannabis law liberalized consumption in Germany. Possession and cultivation of the drug have been permitted for adults within certain limits since April.
Source: Stern
