BLOOD TESTS DO NOT MEASURE IMPAIRMENT.
At FAIR Cannabis, we are committed to advocating for fair and scientifically sound approaches to cannabis impairment testing that truly reflect an individual's ability to function and participate in society safely and productively. Current drug testing methods for cannabis are fundamentally flawed. They typically measure levels of THC or other cannabinoids in the blood or urine, which can persist long after any impairment has subsided. This approach fails to consider the significant variances in how cannabis affects individuals based on factors such as body size, tolerance built through regular use, and unique body chemistry. As a result, these tests are not accurate indicators of impairment. This issue predominantly affects two critical areas of daily life: driving and employment. Misguided policies based on these inadequate tests can lead to unfair legal and professional consequences, especially for chronic users and medical cannabis patients who may have higher levels of cannabinoids in their system but are not impaired. Below, we explore the key issues and call for changes that respect the rights and needs of all cannabis users.
MEDICAL CANNABIS
PATIENTS
DESERVE BETTER.
Medical Cannabis Patients in Canada need a better system. Here are some key areas of improvement for medical cannabis regulations in Canada.
Science of Impairment vs. Presence of Cannabinoids: The presence of THC in the bloodstream is not a reliable indicator of impairment. Educational efforts are needed to inform policymakers and the public about the scientific realities of cannabis metabolism and its effects.


Impact on Driving Laws: Current driving laws can unfairly target chronic users and medical cannabis patients, who might have residual THC in their systems but are not functionally impaired. The development of impairment-based testing is needed, rather than relying on arbitrary THC thresholds.
Employment Discrimination: Workplace drug testing that does not measure impairment can lead to discrimination against medical cannabis users and those who use cannabis responsibly outside of work hours. Policies that focus on actual job performance and safety are needed, rather than blanket prohibitions.


Unfair To Medical Patients: Current testing methods disproportionately affect individuals who rely on medical cannabis for chronic conditions, potentially limiting their access to employment opportunities and creating legal challenges.
Educational Campaigns for Employers and Law Enforcement: The implementation of comprehensive educational programs in key areas would help stakeholders understand the nuances of cannabis effects and testing limitations.


Regulatory Reform: We urge lawmakers to revisit and revise regulations regarding cannabis testing in driving and employment, ensuring they are based on scientific evidence and fairness.
Protecting Patient Rights: Medical cannabis patients should not be penalized for their medical use, particularly in employment contexts where their medication does not impact their job performance.
