I don’t know who you work for, and unlike Liam Neeson from Taken, I’m not that bothered when it comes to finding out.

Your boss might be super chilled about you strutting into the office high as a kite, but as a general rule, last week’s landmark ConCourt ruling decriminalising private dagga usage doesn’t spell a free-for-all.

We ran through some of the basics, like how much, where and driving, last week, but we hadn’t touched on what workplace procedures are.

Times LIVE spoke with advocate Tertius Wessels, legal director of Strata-g Labour Solutions and labour advocate, about being grilled in the workplace:

He said arriving at work stoned was the same as doing so drunk or under the influence of any narcotic substance.

“Being under the influence of mind-altering substances at work renders the employee unfit for duty and can be dangerous, especially for those who operate complex machinery or drive vehicles.

“The issue with cannabis is that it can stay in the system for several hours, even days. This is worrying, especially from an occupational health and safety perspective,” Wessels said.

The workplace was “not considered a private space” and employers could take action against employees who were under the influence of cannabis.

In other words, don’t arrive with eyes as red as the devil’s downstairs.

If employers decide to take action, that could include:

• Asking the employee to leave the workplace;

• Disciplinary action;

• Urine, saliva and blood tests to determine the presence of THC in the system.

Tertius does make one pretty important part of the process clear:

“Of course, employees have to consent to the testing. However, if they are caught in a lie about their cannabis consumption, they could be in breach of their employment contract and/or possibly guilty of dishonesty, which could ultimately lead to them being dismissed.”

That’s right – you do need to give consent, which might be your Hail Mary.

If you’re keen on learning a little more about the history of the ‘erb, you can also check out Max du Preez’s latest column.

[source:timeslive]