As medicinal cannabis gains legal recognition and usage surges in Australia, employers are faced with new challenges in assessing the health and safety implications for potential employees. KINNECT, a leader in occupational health solutions, has developed a comprehensive approach to candidates who declare the use of medicinal cannabis during their pre-employment medical assessments.

With the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia, an increasing number of individuals are turning to this alternative treatment for various medical conditions. As a result, employers must carefully consider the potential health and safety risks associated with employees who use medicinal cannabis, particularly in safety-sensitive workplaces.

The use of medicinal cannabis can pose risks in the workplace, as it may impact an individual's cognitive and motor functions. Impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased coordination are potential side effects that could compromise the safety of both the individual and their colleagues. Understanding the specific medical condition being treated and its potential impact on fitness for work is crucial for effective risk management.

When a candidate declares the use of medicinal cannabis during a pre-employment medical assessment, KINNECT recognises the complexity of properly evaluating the associated health and safety risks. Unlike other medications, medicinal cannabis requires a nuanced approach that considers the underlying medical condition being treated.

To accurately assess the risk, input and confirmation are often needed from the medical practitioner or specialist who prescribed the medicinal cannabis. However, obtaining this information within the confines of a pre-employment medical assessment is not always feasible. Therefore, KINNECT takes a proactive step in issuing a summary report that highlights the need for further medical information via a Medical Review Officer (MRO) service.

To bridge the gap and ensure a thorough assessment, KINNECT offers a separate service known as the Medical Review Officer (MRO) service. This service is distinct from the pre-employment medical assessment and is specifically designed to delve deeper into cases involving the use of medicinal cannabis.

1. Confirmation of Prescription Legitimacy:

The MRO service seeks to confirm the legitimacy of the prescription for medicinal cannabis, ensuring that it aligns with applicable regulations.

2. Understanding Medical Condition Stability:

In addition to confirming the prescription, the MRO service aims to better understand the stability of the medical condition being treated. This comprehensive assessment helps determine the individual's fitness for the intended work environment.

KINNECT's approach to candidates declaring the use of medicinal cannabis demonstrates a commitment to thorough and nuanced evaluations. By issuing summary reports in pre-employment assessments and offering the specialised MRO service, KINNECT ensures that employers receive comprehensive information to make informed decisions about the health and safety of their workforce. As the landscape of medicinal cannabis continues to evolve, KINNECT remains at the forefront, providing tailored solutions for a safer and more productive workplace.