Although December is a month for celebration, Canadian Armed Forces members and Department of National Defence employees are expected to continue to act responsibly, including with three legal cannabis products gradually appearing in stores in December. These include:

• edible cannabis, such as baked goods and beverages;
• cannabis extracts, such as vaping liquids, tinctures, wax, rosin, hash, and resin, as well as cannabis oil; and
• cannabis topicals, which include creams, soaps, and products that are meant to be applied to skin, hair, or nails.

As always, health and safety remains a priority. Everyone responds to cannabis differently. Studies indicate it may take much longer to feel the effects of cannabis when eating or drinking it rather than inhaling. The effects may also last longer and have a more concentrated impact. Health Canada advises to start low and go slow in order to minimize health risks and the risks of overconsumption and provides guidelines for the proper and safe use of cannabis. CAF members and DND employees should understand the risks of impairment on the road and at work and are advised not to travel with cannabis or cannabis products. There are also health risks, so diligence is important, especially for families with young children. Health Canada’s website is a robust source of information on cannabis relevant to the Defence Team.

Restrictions are in place to ensure that the Canadian military remains a fit, deployable, and effective armed force. For a refresher on prohibitions governing recreational cannabis consumption by Canadian Armed Forces members, please see DAOD .

Civilian members of the Defence Team are again reminded that impairment in the workplace is not tolerated and that they must refrain from using recreational cannabis eight hours prior to regular duty performance, among other prohibitions. Complete details may be found at DAOD 2007-2, Use of Cannabis by DND Employees.

For the most up to date information on the legalization of cannabis edibles, Defence policies, impacts on health and travel, and other cannabis-related resources, visit Cannabis: What you need to know.