New guidelines released by Conestoga College outline the rules regarding cannabis consumption on campus once recreational marijuana becomes legal across Canada on Wednesday.
The new substance use guideline strictly prohibits the use of recreational marijuana on campus for all students, faculty, and any persons who use the college facility. The guideline was approved by Conestoga College’s academic coordinating committee.
According to the new substance use guidelines, “the burning of cannabis is prohibited on all college property. Further, the consumption or growing of cannabis, production of cannabis edibles and/or rolling of cannabis cigarettes are also prohibited.”
Conestoga is not the first post-secondary institution to ban the use of recreational marijuana. Institutes such as George Brown College, Durham College, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Saint Paul University, Sheridan College, and many others have joined the smoke-free campus movement.
Any Conestoga College student who uses marijuana medicinally must seek approval for their consumption through Accessibility Services.
“Individual requests will be considered in accordance with Conestoga’s accessibility policy/procedure for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and accommodation for employees with disabilities procedure.”
Conestoga Indigenous students who use cannabis as a part of their culture and heritage are able to seek support from Aboriginal Services to ensure that the use of such medicines is done in the safest manner.
Failure to comply with the new guidelines is grounds for disciplinary actions under the relevant code of conduct.
Conestoga College students can seek support for substance abuse through Student Success Services.
The new substance use guideline will take effect on Oct. 17.
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