The federal
Cannabis Act and
Cannabis Regulations are the primary law governing cannabis in Canada.
In B.C., the provincial
Cannabis Control and Licensing Act and its associated regulations support the province's implementation of legalized cannabis.
For details about cannabis for medical purposes, visit
Health Canada's website. For details about cannabis for non-medical purposes, visit the
BC Government's website.
What to consider
Nurses need to know that some activities with cannabis are still illegal. Before carrying out any activities with cannabis, whether for medical or non-medical purposes, nurses should familiarize themselves with federal and provincial cannabis legislation.
Nurses also consider:
- Their competence to carry out the activity.
- Their organization's policies and procedures related to cannabis.
- Their ability to authenticate the substance and determine the dosage.
The requirements set out in the BCCNM standards of practice specific to their nursing designation. These include
- their responsibility and accountability for their nursing actions,
- documentation requirements,
- collaboration and communication with the health care team, and
- identification and avoidance of actual, potential or perceived
conflicts of interest when interacting with licensed producers of cannabis or cannabis retailers.