with cannabis legalization spreading in the u.s. and around the world, talking about getting high has become more commonplace than taboo in many circles.
when it comes to water cooler conversation at work, though, cannabis conversations may still be confusing to navigate.
some u.s. states have laws protecting employees’ off-the-clock marijuana use while others do not. some jobs appear to be fine with cannabis legalization while others have human resources policies that read as though recreational marijuana isn’t “a thing.”
all this uncertainty likely has some people wondering if and when they can freely talk to co-workers about one’s marijuana use.
read the room
regardless of whether or not a person’s company has specific marijuana policies, it is always best to understand the social climate of the office. some workplaces promote the open and free spirit communication style of office behaviour, while others are more tight-lipped.
one thing to consider when determining if it’s appropriate to bring up weed use is how “getting high” is considered among many employers in legal states, according to an
article by the health and safety institute (hsi).
“there is a parallel with alcohol use here. it is legal for adults over the age of 21 to buy and enjoy alcoholic beverages, but companies still have every right to expect an employee not to show up for work intoxicated, and not to drink while on the job,” hsi reports.