Dal’s smoke‑free policy and cannabis

Dal's smoke-free policy applies to cannabis, too

- October 12, 2018

Smoke-free campus sign on Studley Campus. (Ryan McNutt file photo)
Smoke-free campus sign on Studley Campus. (Ryan McNutt file photo)

Wednesday, October 17 is a day of big change in Canada, as cannabis becomes legal to buy, possess and use.

But at Dalhousie, for the most part, it’ll be similar to any other Wednesday. That’s because Dalhousie’s no-smoking policy, which has been in place since 2003, has always applied to cannabis, and will continue to do so.

In Halifax, smoking cannabis is not allowed on university property, in university buildings or in university vehicles — the same as is the case for tobacco (excepting culturally significant ceremonies, such as those by members of First Nations’ communities) and vaping.

“Our no-smoking policy remains in effect, and other concerns about the actions of individuals under the influence of cannabis will be treated appropriately under the relevant Dalhousie polices and federal, provincial and municipal laws,” explains Ian Nason, vice-president finance and administration.

Additionally, amendments to Halifax’s municipal bylaws in affect as of Oct. 15 do not permit smoking — cannabis or tobacco — on municipal property, including streets and sidewalks. The municipality is in the process of identifying designated smoking areas, the first of which can be found on its website. HRM has said it will continue to update its website in the coming days and weeks.

As for Dalhousie residences, the university has outlined clear policies that will come into effect when the Federal Cannabis Act is enacted. Students are required to respect and abide by all applicable residence and Dalhousie polices, along with laws pertaining to cannabis.

The following cannabis-related behaviours are prohibited in residence:

  • Smoking (including vaping) cannabis in residence.
  • Possession and consumption of cannabis when under 19 years of age.
  • Improper storage of cannabis. (Cannabis must be stored in such a way that any smell is undetectable outside of the student’s residence room or, in a shared room, by roommates. Complaints of strong odor of cannabis that affects members of the community will be a violation under this policy.)

Residents are also not permitted to:

  • Grow or possess cannabis plants in residence
  • Sell or distribute cannabis
  • Provide cannabis to those under 19 years’ old
  • Display trophies or windows displays of bongs, pipes, grinders, and other paraphernalia, etc.
  • Have online cannabis purchases delivered to residence.
  • Possess or consume cannabis in lounges and common areas
  • Possess or consume edible cannabis products or cook with cannabis
  • Possess permitted cannabis products in excess of 30 grams
  • Engage in any other activities that are contrary to federal or provincial laws.

For more on cannabis legalization, visit the Government of Nova Scotia website or the Halifax Regional Municipality website.


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