New pot policy for Canadian servicemen

In a published guideline by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on Friday, September 7th, 2018, the Canadian military has now opened up its members to the ingestion of cannabis.

CTV News reports that following federal and provincial regulations, soldiers will now be able to both consume and possess cannabis although under the newly published military code, certain rules apply to them.

One of these examples is that members of the CAF will not be able to travel by aircraft or vessel with any cannabis, and similarly, they will be prohibited from travelling with cannabis internationally.

Speaking to CTV, Chief of Military Personnel, Lieutenant-General Chuck Lamarre, who was instrumental in the foundation and development of the new guidelines explained:

“It’s really based on how THC, cannabis, is processed by the body,” he said. “We feel very confident that eight hours, 24 hours and 28 days will ensure that we’re operational effective and will ensure that our men and women are ready at all times to do their business.”

The way it will work, according to the direction of the policy, will be that CAF personnel will not be able to ingest cannabis up to eight hours before any active duty performance.  Moreover, they will not be able to consume up to 24 hours before operating any vehicle or loaded weapon.  Additionally, CAF soldiers are prohibited from use anytime up to 28 days before joining the crew of a submarine or aircraft.

As the cannabis will be legalized October 17th, in Canada, it will be at this juncture that the new policy will take action.  Lt-Gen Lamarre is confident that soldiers will police themselves and directions have been given to staff in order to detect any type of impairment during operational duties.

Any soldier found to be addicted or to have a disorder related to cannabis will be offered voluntary treatment.

Is this really a good idea?  We really have no way of knowing, there are no open stats to indicate the level of marijuana use in the Forces and no one knows if it will impede operational duties at large.  It is a very risky move for the Canadian government.

More on this story as it develops, The Post Millennial.