Cannabis Policy

Type

General Administration

Classification

Administration

Responsible Authority

VP Finance and Administration

Approval Authority

President

Date First Approved

August 29, 2018

Date Last Reviewed

August 29, 2018

Mandatory Review Date

August 31, 2019

Purpose

As of October 17, 2018, the law in Nova Scotia permits people 19 years of age and older to carry up to 30 grams of legally distributed dried cannabis for recreational use. This policy describes the regulation of cannabis possession and use on our campus.

Scope

This policy encompasses possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes. It applies to all staff and faculty employed by StFX. It also applies to students attending campus for class and/or living in residence on campus. Visitors to campus must also adhere to this policy with respect to use of campus indoor and outdoor facilities.

Definitions

Word/Term	Definition
Cannabis	Any form of cannabis including dried, oils, fresh, edible or burnt for recreational consumption.
Paraphernalia	Implements used in the storage, preparation, or consumption of cannabis products. Examples include bongs, pipes, roach clips, grinders, vaporizers, sploofs, etc.

Policy

Members of the campus community have a right to a safe and comfortable environment, free of exposure to secondary harms from cannabis possession and/or consumption by others.

Regulated cannabis is distributed through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC); possession of cannabis products sold or distributed by any other person or business is illegal.

Nova Scotia provincial regulations indicate that:

Individuals 19 years and older are legally permitted to possess up to a limit of 30 grams of dried cannabis.
Smoking cannabis or tobacco is prohibited in any building on campus, or within 20 meters of an entrance or air intake to a building;
Cannabis use of any kind is prohibited in a vehicle by passengers or driver; Cannabis must be stored in a closed, fastened package and out of reach or not readily available to anyone in the vehicle.

In addition to the provincial regulations, cannabis products of any kind are not permitted in academic or administrative buildings on campus at any time. While in the workplace, attending events, classes, meetings, or other University sanctioned activities, students, staff, and faculty are expected to be unimpaired, whether by cannabis, alcohol, or any other substance that is known to impair.

As laws and regulations related to cannabis continue to develop this policy will adapt. This policy does not supersede any federal, provincial or municipal regulations.

Procedure

Action	Responsibility
1. Cannabis Use on Campus 1.1 Staff and Faculty Staff and faculty (all employees) are subject to sanction under the Employment Act of Nova Scotia, relative Collective agreements, and employment standards for StFX. Concerns or complaints about an employee or faculty member should be directed to Human Resources.	Director, Human Resources
1.2 Students Students who fail to adhere to this policy are subject to sanction under the Code of Conduct. Concerns or complaints about a student should be directed to the Director of Student Life.	Director, Student Life
2. Cannabis Possession in Residence StFX has several regulations in place to protect this right for students who live in residence: 2.1 Smoking or vaping of any substance is a fire hazard and is never permitted in residence. 2.2 Cannabis, whether it is dried, fresh, or burnt, has a strong odour that is unpleasant for many people. Students and their guests must ensure that the scent is not a nuisance to others. 2.3 Cannabis and paraphernalia must be stored in an air tight container. It is strongly recommended that students avoid storing any quantity in the residence. 2.4 Bongs, pipes, and other paraphernalia must be kept clean and free of residue. 2.5 The scent of cannabis can become embedded in furniture, carpets, and clothing. Room inspections are conducted at the Christmas holiday break in December and upon move out. Evidence of smoking in the room will result in a $500 fine and possible residence suspension for the residents of the room. 2.6 Growing cannabis is legal, but not permitted in residence or anywhere on campus due to the inability to control impact on the environment and utilities.	Director, Student Life

Action

Responsibility

1. Cannabis Use on Campus

1.1 Staff and Faculty
Staff and faculty (all employees) are subject to sanction under the Employment Act of Nova Scotia, relative Collective agreements, and employment standards for StFX. Concerns or complaints about an employee or faculty member should be directed to Human Resources.

Director, Human Resources

1.2 Students
Students who fail to adhere to this policy are subject to sanction under the Code of Conduct. Concerns or complaints about a student should be directed to the Director of Student Life.

Director, Student Life

2. Cannabis Possession in Residence

StFX has several regulations in place to protect this right for students who live in residence:

2.1 Smoking or vaping of any substance is a fire hazard and is never permitted in residence.

2.2 Cannabis, whether it is dried, fresh, or burnt, has a strong odour that is unpleasant for many people. Students and their guests must ensure that the scent is not a nuisance to others.

2.3 Cannabis and paraphernalia must be stored in an air tight container. It is strongly recommended that students avoid storing any quantity in the residence.

2.4 Bongs, pipes, and other paraphernalia must be kept clean and free of residue.

2.5 The scent of cannabis can become embedded in furniture, carpets, and clothing. Room inspections are conducted at the Christmas holiday break in December and upon move out. Evidence of smoking in the room will result in a $500 fine and possible residence suspension for the residents of the room.

2.6 Growing cannabis is legal, but not permitted in residence or anywhere on campus due to the inability to control impact on the environment and utilities.

Director, Student Life

Related Policies

StFX Student Code of Conduct
StFX and NSGEU Agreement
StFX AUT Collective Agreement
STFX and CUPE Agreement
UNIFOR Collective Agreement
StFX Employee Handbook

Related Materials

Canada Cannabis Act
Nova Scotia Smoke Free Places Act
Nova Scotia Cannabis Control Act
Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse
Canadian Mental Health Association
Nova Scotia Health Authority