When is it Okay to be High? A Guide for Law Enforcement Off-Duty Use of Cannabis

Abstract

This thesis explores policy options for allowing off-duty law enforcement to use cannabis, considering the potential decriminalization and legalization of recreational cannabis use and the high stress levels of first responders. Utilizing Bardach and Patashniks eight-step method, this thesis discusses the mental and physical health problems that law enforcement officers face and then provides research on cannabis to determine whether cannabis could be a useful tool in curbing the stress of this occupation. Finally, policies on recreational use for other occupations and a sample from Canada are examined. Research shows that stress levels in the law enforcement occupation cause substantial mental and physical ailments for officers. Moreover, for those retired or outside law enforcement, cannabis has been used as treatment for some of these conditions. This thesis finds that given the potential of federal legalization, fit-for-duty policies that allow recreational, off-duty use are powerful and beneficial tools to mitigate stress-related ailments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1173265

Entities

People

  • Pardeep S. Deol

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain
  • Cognition
  • Drug Abuse
  • Drug Addiction
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • Law Enforcement Officers
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Pain
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Societies
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.