How has cannabis legalization changed since 2018?
It is hard to believe that nearly a year ago, the federal Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018, legalizing the recreational use, personal production of up to four plants, and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis for Canadians 19 or older. The sale of cannabis has been largely affected as a result, with private retailers starting to obtain licenses after a monopoly of online sales.
As of October 17 of this year, the sale and use of edibles, including baked goods and drinks, will be legalized. Canada is the second country to decriminalize marijuana use, possession, and growth after Uruguay. Still, consumers are adjusting to a plethora of new rules and policies regarding use, opening avenues for distracted driving and substance abuse.
What can we observe from campus cannabis policies one year into legalization?
Implementing campus-wide smoking policies
The university implemented a campus-wide smoking ban on January 1, including tobacco, marijuana, and vaping. Campus police have been enforcing the ban, placing legible signs in front of university buildings. However, individually enforcing and dealing with infractions has been proven difficult.
“Our existing smoking policy is decades old, and recent changes by the provincial government that allow smoking of cannabis in public spaces may increase the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke,” says Kelly-Hannah Moffat, UofT Vice President of Human Resources and Equity. “We feel this change is consistent with our goal to have a healthy campus environment.”
The University has been treating marijuana enforcement to the same degree as tobacco. Students are prohibited from using marijuana in residences and from receiving online orders. Students also need to be wary of possessing cannabis-related paraphernalia such as bongs, rolling papers, and pipes. Medical use on campus, however, is legal.
Some Ontario universities like UofT have revised smoking policies to include the use of cannabis while others have created separate policies altogether to handle cannabis use. Ryerson, York, Brock and UOttawa have implemented similar policies regarding cannabis use and possession on campus, barring students from smoking in common university spaces and in residences. The sale and growth of marijuana also remains illegal on these campuses.
It is expected that universities will revise policies to include the use of edibles in residences and in public spaces.
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