How do training companies respond to cannabis use?

Training companies face a double task when cannabis use comes up. They have to support trainees fairly and at the same time watch over health and safety. The first step is a factual conversation with the trainee. Anyone who raises conspicuous behaviour early has more room to support the young person. This requires knowledge of the age limits, the health effects and the services that offer help.

What the age limits mean

Possession of cannabis is permitted under section 3(1) KCanG only for persons who have turned 18, and then within a limit of 25 grams. A trainee under 18 therefore does not fall under this permission. For young people aged 18 to under 21 (Heranwachsende), stricter rules on passing cannabis on apply in a cannabis association (Anbauvereinigung). The article Do different amounts apply to young members between 18 and 21? explains the differences. Anyone who hands over or passes on cannabis to minors commits an offence under section 34 KCanG. This rule is one of the most important points a company should know.

Keeping health and performance in view

Frequent cannabis use disrupts concentration, which can lead to problems at school and in training, according to cannabispraevention.de. In the worst case, a school or vocational qualification is at risk, because memory works much less well, the site continues. At work, changes can show up as absences, mistakes or declining care. These have many possible causes. An observation proves nothing about use, though it is a good reason to talk. How cannabis use affects performance is explained in Does cannabis reduce performance at work or in studies?.

The conversation with the trainee

A good conversation begins with observations and makes no assumptions. Name concrete incidents with date and place. Ask openly how the trainee is doing and whether something is weighing on their training. Avoid threats and blanket judgements about cannabis. Anyone who shows the trainee that help is available achieves more than with a lecture. At the end, an agreement on the next steps helps, for example a second conversation after a few weeks.

It helps to clarify your own expectations before the conversation. Anyone who feels unsure can seek advice from an addiction advice centre beforehand. The conversation should close with the question of what the trainee needs to complete the training well. The answer often shows whether use plays a role in the background.

Mixed use and work

Cannabis and alcohol together put considerable strain on the circulation and often lead to nausea and vomiting, according to cannabispraevention.de. According to feel-ok.ch, alcohol also leads people to overestimate themselves, and both substances have a negative effect on concentration and reaction ability. Especially with machinery, vehicles or hazardous work, this is an important point.

In road traffic, section 24a of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) sets a limit of 0.5 per mille alcohol in the blood and a THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum. If a fine is imposed under section 24a StVG, a driving ban generally also has to be ordered (section 25(1) StVG). Anyone travelling with the trainee should keep this in mind, for example on trips to construction sites or to clients.

Offering help without judging

The company can refer the trainee to an addiction advice centre. The Sucht und Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 can be a first point of contact, and young people find information and self-tests on drugcom.de. The company does not make a diagnosis. Its task is to give pointers and open the way to help. Anyone who notices that the situation is getting worse should seek support early and not wait for the next incident.

Clarifying labour law questions

Which labour law consequences a use has depends on the individual case. The right contacts for this are HR, the works council (Betriebsrat) or a lawyer specialising in employment law. The responsible chamber can also help with questions about training. Before consequences are decided, it is worth talking to these bodies.

Prevention in everyday training

Prevention works best before problems arise. The company can make information on health risks available and speak openly about limits. According to cannabispraevention.de, the risks for young people are particularly high. For young people aged 18 to under 21 and for young adults, an open approach to the topic therefore makes sense.