By Ashley Wiebe

MHPS policy will prohibit officers from using cannabis come legalization

Oct 4, 2018 | 4:59 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Late last month, the Calgary Police Service said their officers would be banned from consuming cannabis, even once it becomes legal.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is looking at implementing a similar policy, saying anyone with a safety sensitive position will be prohibited from consuming all cannabis products.

Chief Andy McGrogan said they’ve look at what the Calgary and Edmonton Police Service are doing, along with others across the country.

Some have only said they need their officers fit for duty.

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McGrogan said that’s not the stance he or the Police Association have taken when coming up with a policy for members here.

Officers with the Medicine Hat Police Service will be prohibited from using marijuana on and off the clock.

McGrogan said cannabis hasn’t been in the culture of policing and because of the sensitive nature of the job, this is an important first step to take.

“The police culture has basically been anti-cannabis since I’ve been here,” he said. “So this is a new thing and it’ll change as culture changes, but today’s situation is, the members are saying right now it’s the right thing to do and we’re walking together on this.”

It’s a move that’s being supported by the Medicine Hat Police Association.

Vice-president Darryl Hubich said he believes every officer is in a safety sensitive position, o matter their role or rank.

He said police officers have an obligation to the community they serve and a policy like this means they’ll be able to ensure everyone is safe.

“We’re happy to work with the service on this and make sure it’s a policy that the public and members ensure honours our ability and our need to be safe in the community and we are pretty confident that this policy does that,” he said.

The service is still looking at other positions, including civilian staff and volunteers, to see if an all out ban needs to be put in place.

The policy will be in effect come the legalization date, October 17th.