UVic adopts recreational cannabis protocol with changes in law

With Canadian and BC laws changing to permit recreational cannabis use as of Oct. 17, UVic is adopting new protocols.

Proactive education, including topics on lifestyle choices, impact on health and wellness, and harm reduction remains a priority in building awareness about cannabis use with UVic’s student community. Faculty and staff policies remain unchanged.

“We are taking a measured approach to cannabis use on campus and are reviewing our institutional policies and practices as we consider a couple of locations for recreational cannabis smoking and vaping that will be accessible to our adult students living on campus,” says Kane Kilbey, associate vice president of human resources.

Information outlining UVic’s cannabis protocol will be published before Oct. 17 on websites with the Office of Student Life for students and with Occupational Health and Safety for faculty and staff. As details are available, updates will also appear in an upcoming Campus Checklist, online and in the Ring.

The designated areas will ensure the university is providing a safe on-campus option designed to prevent smoking in bordering neighbourhoods or in fire-sensitive natural areas. The designated areas will be consistent with regional bylaws and occupational health and safety regulations and accessible for adults living on campus, and away from high-traffic areas.

It is important to note that while recreational cannabis will soon be legalized, the laws and polices connected to medical cannabis are generally unchanged. 

Nothing changes for faculty and staff on Oct. 17. Employees will continue to have a statutory responsibility to report for work fit for duty, unimpaired by any substance use.

For more information, check out this federal government fact sheet about cannabis or explore the Cannabis in Canada website created by the federal government.