RCMP relaxes cannabis rules for some officers, moves to 'fit for duty' standard

The RCMP 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 rule that required front-line officers and many other employees in «safety-sensitive» 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 RCMP members, welcomed the move, saying the previous policy was «not consistent with the police universe.»

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

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

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

«Policing 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,» said the briefing note, obtained last year by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act.

The police federation had advised the RCMP 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 RCMP 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.

«Substance