TW: Discussion of Sexual Harassment and Assault
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and Cannabis Spaces Cannabis has been a plant for everyone and cannabis spaces are meant for everyone. Recently a critical lens has been looking at the relationship between cannabis spaces and the objectification of women. For the record, we love our canna babes and models, and feel that empowerment looks different to everyone.
We aren’t here to police your bodies; we want them to be respected as autonomous subjects, not objects to sell a brand or lifestyle without your consent.
That being said, more women have been coming forward sharing their stories of sexual harassment, unwanted sexualization, and sexual assault within cannabis spaces.
We are here to say that this isn’t okay for anyone and want to remind people what sexual harassment is and why it shouldn’t be tolerated in professional workplaces.
Sexual Harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code is considered discrimination based on sex, gender or orientation. It is conduct that is known or ought to be reasonably known as unwelcome that offends, insults, demeans or humiliates you or a group of people.
This includes comments, jokes, touching and violence.
This can be from managers, coworkers, or even the public. So even if someone denies the intention to sexually harass someone, the issue is more so about how the person actually felt.
So what can you do?
Make sure there is a workplace violence and harassment policy. This is required in every workplace
Seek support through sexual assault centres and the Ontario Human Rights Legal Centres if you can’t in the workplace.
Don’t be a bystander. If you see it happening reach out to those affected and respect their wishes.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect in the cannabis space. Always ask for consent and be mindful of professional conduct.
Check out the health and safety guideline in our toolkit on sexual assault and workplace violence.
CLICK HERE For a .PDF on how to protect yourself and your coworkers from sexual harassment at work
CLICK HERE For a .PDF detailing workplace violence
People You Can Call
SACHA Hamilton 24 hour Hotline:
905-525-4162
Assaulted Women’s Hotline
1-866-863-0511
Distress Centre
416-408-4357