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ARTICLE · 19 DECEMBER 2023

Weeding out workplace hazards: Is medicinal cannabis safe in your workplace?

Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
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Holding Redlich

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Key considerations to explore before taking any action that may help minimise the risk of a discrimination claim or similar.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Keisha Currie
Keisha Currie
Rachel Drew
Rachel Drew
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The increase in doctors prescribing medicinal cannabis to treat a variety of medical conditions is a budding issue for workplaces. The central question is, can an employee use medicinal cannabis and still safely perform their role?

It is undoubtedly a tricky area to manage and employers need to proceed with caution. There are some key considerations that businesses should explore before taking any action that may help minimise the risk of a discrimination claim or similar.

Medicinal cannabis in Australia

There are currently only two approved medicinal cannabis products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). One of those products contains both delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The other is an oil which contains CBD only. There is also a range of unapproved medicinal cannabis products in Australia which can be obtained through 'special access' pathways approved

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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