What negative consequences does cannabis use have for Australian workplaces?

Cannabis use is associated with a range of negative outcomes for the workplace, including accidents, injuries, absenteeism and low productivity.

Cannabis use can impair:

·         short-term memory

·         cognition

·         balance and coordination

·         concentration

·         sensory perception

·         ability to perform complex tasks

·         alertness and reaction time. 

 

These effects can last between two and six hours and can negatively affect workplace safety, performance and productivity. Employees who use cannabis can present a potential danger at work, especially if the user is operating machinery or driving a vehicle.

In 2015/16, the cost to Australian businesses due to cannabis-related occupational injury and absenteeism was estimated to exceed $560 million.

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Source: McEntee A, Roche A, Whetton S. Chapter 6: Workplace costs. In: Tait RJ, Allsop, S. (Eds.)., Quantifying the Social Costs of Cannabis Use to Australia in 2015/16. Perth, WA: National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University; 2020.