Cannabis Legalization
On October 17, 2018, Canada’s Cannabis Act legalizes the possession, sale, and distribution of cannabis across the country subject to legislation and regulation adopted by each province. In Nova Scotia, the government has developed a series of laws that most of us by now are familiar with but to ensure we are all aware of this significant change, you can find out the details by following this link.
Acadia University has revised and updated its Substance Use and Share the Air policies that previously focused on legal alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking to include cannabis use, as well as vaping and all other forms of substance use. An important aspect of these policies is that Acadia’s campus remains smoke-free. For our students living in residence, this means the same rules will apply to cannabis as currently apply to tobacco and edible forms of cannabis cannot be prepared on campus.
As with all substance use on campus, these policies apply to all members of the Acadia community. Anyone using legal substances must be of legal age and must use such substances responsibly and without causing harm to others or to oneself. Inappropriate behaviour, whether on or off campus, cannot be justified by substance use or abuse, and such behaviour may result in serious action being taken by the University.
Legal cannabis use in our society has been the subject of discussion and debate for some time. I think it is important to recognize that it provides a new element of concern for health care providers throughout our health care system. There are many people who are unfamiliar with the effects and use of cannabis, so our Student Services team has developed a website that contains a significant amount of information ranging from rules and regulations, to Acadia’s policies, to facts and information about cannabis. I invite you to visit the site if you have any questions or simply want to find out more. The site can be accessed here.
I want to thank the members of our community, faculty, staff, and students, who have worked hard to assemble information for our campus and develop policies that will work for the best interests of our community.
Remember, if you do use any substances, make sure you act responsibly and within consideration for all others – remember: Keep it Social!
Regards,
Peter
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Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor
Acadia University
15 University Avenue, Room 216
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Canada B4P 2R6
Acadia University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq nation.