Cannabis on Campus

On October 17, 2018, the new Cannabis Act comes into force across Canada. The following information is intended to answer some of the more commonly asked questions and concerns about how this legislation affects our campus.

Key Messages

  • The University of Regina is committed to providing a safe and healthy place in which to study, work, live, and visit.

  • The University of Regina’s “Smoke-Free Campus Policy” prohibits smoking or vaping of recreational cannabis (marijuana) in any University owned or leased building, on leased or owned University property, or in University vehicles, or vehicles parked on University leased or owned property.

  • The Smoke-Free Campus Policy includes Appendix A – “Cannabis on Campus” which addresses the responsible use of cannabis on campus and prohibits growing cannabis plants in all University buildings owned or leased, including University residences; and on outdoor University property.

  • Commercially manufactured edible cannabis products are currently not legal in Canada for recreational purposes.

  • Cannabis may be used or grown for teaching and research purposes where the research meets all regulatory requirements and approvals, and where appropriate protections for health and safety are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke, vape, or grow recreational cannabis (marijuana) on campus when the national Cannabis Act comes into force on October 17?

No. The University’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy prohibits ALL smoking – including smoking and vaping of cannabis (marijuana) – in any University owned or leased building, on leased or owned University property, or in University vehicles, or vehicles parked on University leased or owned property.

The Policy also includes Appendix A – “Cannabis on Campus” – which addresses the responsible use of cannabis on campus. It prohibits growing cannabis plants in all University buildings owned or leased, including University residences; and on outdoor University property. It also requires cannabis products to be stored in sealed, scent-proof containers anywhere on campus.

Why can’t I grow cannabis plants in my residence?

Although growing up to four cannabis plants for personal use is legal, the University has the responsibility to govern what is allowed on our property, including residences. Growing cannabis plants in residence is not allowed because many of our accommodations are shared spaces and because of concerns over safety, the risk of fire from heaters and grow lights, the smell, and additional use of resources such as electricity and water.

What about edible cannabis? Is it also banned from campus?

Commercially manufactured cannabis edible products and concentrates are not legal in Canada. Just like any other illegal substance, these products are not allowed on campus or in residences.

Can I keep my recreational cannabis in my room, backpack or pocket, so that I can use it when I’m off campus?

When not in use, cannabis products must be stored in sealed, scent-proof containers.

What do I do if I need to smoke or ingest cannabis for medical reasons?

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is not covered by University policy. It may be recognized as a “duty to accommodate” under Saskatchewan Human Rights Legislation. Students or employees who need to ingest or smoke cannabis for medical reasons should contact either the Student Accessibility Office (students) or the U of R Healthy Workplace Advisor (employees).

Are there any exceptions?

Cannabis may be used or grown for teaching and research purposes where the research meets all regulatory requirements and approvals, and where appropriate protections for health and safety are in place.

How was the decision made to manage recreational cannabis use on campus?

The Marijuana Legalization Working Group was formed in January 2018 to gather information and identify any potential impacts from the new federal legislation that needed to be addressed. The working group provided recommendations to the University’s leadership team which ultimately decided that the time was right to move to a completely smoke-free campus – including cannabis smoking and vaping – as of Aug. 1, 2018. In addition, the committee developed the Appendix A, “Cannabis on Campus” document to address responsible use of cannabis on campus.

Who is on the committee?

The committee includes representatives from Health, Safety & Wellness, Student Affairs, Housing, University Governance, External Relations, the Students’ Union, and Campus Security. We also talked to our Federated College partners and Innovation Place.

How does this compare to what other universities and colleges are doing?

The response is varied across Canada, but many universities have gone to completely smoke-free – including cannabis – and are not allowing cannabis smoking, growing, or use on their campuses.

Did this committee consult students, faculty, and staff about what they want?

We created an informal questionnaire for use in discussions with campus community stakeholders such as students and residents living on campus, to help better understand their perceptions of upcoming changes to Federal and Provincial marijuana laws in relation to U of R campuses; and, to help inform communication with our stakeholders about these changes or any related U of R policies. URSU also sent the same questions to their community of student clubs to get a broader response.

What did you hear from students?

Many felt that the new legislation will have a neutral impact on them, but they also had some concerns.

What did you hear from those who have concerns?

All the kinds of issues that one would expect such as second hand smoke; students using marijuana during class or exams; smoking indoors; the smell; living with marijuana users in residence; and enforceability.

How will you enforce the smoking policy when it comes to cannabis smoking and vaping, growing plants in residence, and commercially manufactured edible cannabis on campus?

We expect the University’s policies and rules to be followed by students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campus. The University’s campuses are smoke-free and this includes cannabis smoking and vaping – so we expect that everyone working, living, studying, or visiting here will respect that policy and appreciate the benefits of the clean environment we offer.

Regarding growing plants, this will be written into residence contracts and include the requirement that cannabis products must be stored in sealed, scent-proof containers.

Commercially manufactured cannabis edible products are not legal. As is our current practice, the University will work with the police if any illegal activity takes place on campus.

What happens if I’m caught growing plants, smoking cannabis, or with commercially manufactured edibles on campus?

As with all University policies, enforcement can be taken through appropriate corrective administrative or non-academic discipline, or, in the case of a student, through the Regulations Governing Discipline for Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct. As is our current practice, the University will work with the police if any illegal activity takes place on campus.

How will the University deal with detection and safety in the workplace?

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy place in which to study, work, live, and visit.

University employees, students, and visitors are expected to be aware of potential impairment due to cannabis consumption, and must take reasonable precautions to avoid impairment while involved in the core activities of the University (i.e. teaching, learning, research, community service).

Is the University administration offering training on impairment detection to staff?

No, we are not currently offering that training. University employees, students, and visitors are expected to be aware of potential impairment due to cannabis consumption, and must take reasonable precautions to avoid impairment while involved in the core activities of the University.

Who can I call if I think a friend is impaired by cannabis or is a safety risk?

You can talk to Campus Security at 306-585-4999 to ensure your friend is safe.

Will I get in trouble if I report someone impaired by cannabis on campus?

In any case requiring emergency medical assistance, anyone reporting cannabis use will not be subject to disciplinary action. This includes the person making the report, the person needing emergency medical assistance, and any other witnesses or bystanders present at the time of the medical emergency.

What should I do if a friend or colleague is driving while impaired by cannabis?

Any impairment while driving is illegal, regardless of the cause, and you should immediately report the driver and car to the police by calling 911.

I am a student. Who can I call if I think my professor is impaired by cannabis or is a safety risk?

You can talk to Campus Security at 306-585-4999 and they will respond to the situation as required.

I live in residence. Who can I call if I think my roommate is impaired by cannabis or is a safety risk?

You can talk to your Resident Assistant or Campus Security (306-585-4999) to ensure they are safe.

I work on campus. Who can I call if I think my colleague, another employee, or a student is impaired by cannabis or is a safety risk?

If you are concerned about a colleague or another employee, you can talk to your immediate supervisor or manager. If you are concerned about a student, talk to Campus Security at 306-585-4999 and they will respond to ensure the student is safe.


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