Marijuana OK’d for off-duty Canadian cops

Officers in Ottawa will be allowed to use marijuana off duty starting Oct. 17, but there are restrictions

By PoliceOne Staff

OTTAWA, Ont. — Officers will be allowed to use marijuana off duty starting Oct. 17, Ottawa officials announced last week, but they are still required to start their shifts fit for duty.

OttawaMatters reported the decision followed the passing of a bill in June that would legalize marijuana nationwide.

Other provinces’ stance on the issue varies. The Calgary Police have banned officers from using recreational marijuana, according to 660News.

But Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau says his department’s policy still requires officers to be ready for duty.

“We feel that [allowing officers to consume cannabis while off duty] is the best approach … respecting the fact that it’s a legal product,” Bordeleau told OttawaMatters. “[But] an officer needs to be fit for duty, regardless of what he or she may be doing off-duty that is legal.”

Most Ontario departments are following Ottawa’s example on the matter, Bordeleau said.