With amended ganja law companies drug testing policies will need re-examining - PSOJ

President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) William Mahfood says with the enactment to the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015 earlier this week businesses will now have to re-examine their marijuana policies.

The Amendment Act, which decriminalises the possession of small quantities of ganja, was brought into effect on Wednesday.

Several companies routinely screen new employees for ganja and other drugs prior to confirmation.

Some companies also randomly carry out drug testing on employees, with serious penalties and even termination for failed tests.

However, Mahfood says these practices will now have to be reconsidered as smoking ganja is no longer a criminal offence.

The PSOJ President says dialogue is now required to decide on a way forward.

Earlier this week, the Police High Command warned members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, that under force policies and regulations they are prohibited from using, dealing or cultivating ganja.

According to the Police High Command, in order to maintain integrity, soberness and sound judgement, all sworn members must be fully conscious and stable at all times while they are on duty.