Lethbridge College has informed its students and employees of its rules around cannabis use and possession that will take effect on Oct. 17, 2018, when federal legislation allows the legal purchase and use of cannabis.
Lethbridge College will remain a cannabis-free campus.
The use of cannabis, including smoking, vaping or ingesting cannabis, is not allowed on campus, including in or outside of campus residence facilities. The college will not designate spots on campus for the use of cannabis. The institution’s top priority is to ensure its campus remains a safe and healthy place to work and learn.
Cannabis plants may not be grown on campus. As of Oct. 17, cannabis products or related accessories will be allowed on campus but must be stowed in sealed, scent-proof containers.
While the purchase and consumption of cannabis is legal as of Oct. 17, Lethbridge College recognizes that there are still medical concerns over its use. The on-campus Health Centre (CE1380) is available to all students and employees who may need support or resources when it comes to cannabis use. Students may also contact Shepell Counselling Services at 1-855-649-8641 or mystudentsupport.com. Employees can visit workhealthlife.com if they are looking for support or assistance.
Lethbridge College cannabis rules post-Oct. 17 FAQs
No. Consumption of cannabis, including smoking, vaping and ingesting, is not allowed.
No. Use of cannabis across campus, including in and outside of residence facilities, will not be allowed.
As of Oct. 17, 2018, cannabis products and related accessories will be allowed on campus but must be stowed in sealed, scent-proof containers. Cannabis plants may not be grown on campus.
Lethbridge College’s cannabis decision was not guided by the decisions of other institutions. A decision was made based on what was the best course of action for Lethbridge College.
The mix of programming on campus was a large factor in the decision. College programming includes many skilled trades and programs that use precision equipment, meaning that safety has to be a top priority. As well, the presence or programs that promote health and safety, such as policing, nursing and healthcare, and child and youth care and education do not align with allowing cannabis use.
Promoting the health and well-being of our students and employees is an overarching institutional goal and allowing cannabis use does not align with that goal.
Smoking of tobacco on campus is closely governed by an existing policy. Whether or not tobacco use will continue to be allowed on campus will be evaluated going forward.
Lethbridge College is developing a “Fit to Work/Fit to Learn” policy that will further outline the rules around the use of substances like cannabis, alcohol, prescription and illegal drugs for employees and students. Our goal is to ensure employees can safely undertake the physical and psychological demands of work and learning, and to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
As this new policy is still in development, the college will update the current smoking policy to address the use of recreational cannabis on our campus. This revision will be presented to the College Leadership Council (CLC) at its Oct. 16 meeting for approval.
As the decision was treated as an occupational health and safety initiative, representatives from the college’s Human Resources and Student Services departments were involved in the process, with guidance from the Executive Leadership Team.
Infractions will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Employee and student policies are already in place and will be used to guide any disciplinary discussions.
While the purchase and consumption of cannabis is legal as of Oct. 17, 2018, Lethbridge College recognizes that there are still medical concerns over its use. Students or employees needing supports and/or assistance can stop into the Health Centre (CE1380) or contact Shepell Counselling Services. Students can call 1-855-649-8641 or visit mystudentsupport.com. Employees can visit workhealthlife.com.
Medical cannabis can be used on campus if the individual has sought and obtained permission from Human Resources (if the individual is not a student) or Accessibility Services (if the individual is a student) to use cannabis for a medicinal purpose as prescribed, and the individual uses cannabis within the parameters established by Human Resources or Accessibility Services.
The college is responsible for providing all those on our campus with a safe and healthy environment, and for determining what is allowable on our property and what is prohibited, regardless of its status in other locations.
For example, while we currently allow the use of tobacco products on our campus in designated areas, in the future, with the goal of a safe and healthy environment in mind, we could decide to become a smoke-free campus. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to create an environment that protects, enhances, and supports the health and safety of all those on our campus.