(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Jason Viau) (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Jason Viau)
Sarnia

Poll says businesses not ready for legal pot

A recent poll is suggesting many small and medium-sized businesses aren't ready for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada.

The poll, conducted by Express Employment Professionals, surveyed 322 current and former clients.

It found that 81 per cent haven't received any information from the government about recreational pot use in the workplace, and 66 per cent were concerned about potential use by employees.

Sarnia Office Franchise Owner Bruce Hein said there's a lot of uncertainty.

"We're not sure how to deal with these policies as they start to evolve in how we're going to deal with people that are maybe deemed to be under the influence," said Hein. "The environment that we live in here in Sarnia-Lambton will not be very tolerant. They're controlled by multi-nationals that have very strict drug and alcohol rules."

Hein believes most companies are leaving it up to common sense.

He said some local businesses are already seeing employees coming to work with drug paraphernalia and are ramping up searches as a result.

The survey also found 51 per cent of businesses have guidelines in place regarding employee use of marijuana, and 48 per cent have safety concerns.

Read More Local Stories