Get Up to Speed on Weed: a discussion on cannabis

Mount Allison University preparing for the legalization of Cannabis

In light of the legalization of cannabis on Oct. 17, the Wellness Centre held an informative session called Get Up to Speed on Weed. The session was held on Sept. 24, with the goal of educating students, staff and members of the community.

The session discussed regulations that the New Brunswick government will implement, as well as the policies that Mount Allison University has put in place. The information session was held by Jessica Griffin, mental health and harms reduction educator, in coordination with Adam Christie, director of student life, and Anne Comfort, director of accessibility and student wellness.

The Government of New Brunswick has implemented strict regulations around the consumption and cultivation of cannabis. To consume, possess or buy cannabis, or to enter a Cannabis NB store, individuals must be 19 years of age or older. An individual of age can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) on their person when outside of their home. It will be against the law to consume cannabis in public areas, in or on an immobile or moving vehicle, as well as to distribute it to a minor.

According to Christie, some universities across the country spent the summer co-operating and sharing ideas on how the impending legalization would affect their policies on campus, as well as how they would implement the new changes.

Mt. A opted to revise their no smoking policy to accommodate the legalization. The school added that smoking cannabis will not be permitted on University property. University property includes, but is not limited to, University-owned vehicles, any university buildings or residences and dons’ apartments. There are only two exceptions to the no smoking policy: first, for religious and/or cultural reasons; and second, for medical use. Requests for an exception to the policy should be directed to the Student Life Office as well as the director of accessibility and student wellness.

Mt. A has also revised their Residence Life Code of Conduct to state that individuals 19 years and older are permitted to possess up to 30 grams of legally distributed, dried cannabis. The cannabis must be stored in an airtight container and appropriately labeled to note that the containers contain cannabis. As well, neither baking or cooking with cannabis products nor personal cultivation of cannabis plants will be permitted in residences.

Jessica Griffin, mental health and harms reduction educator, is looking for students to help with cannabis education and awareness on campus. Any students interested in helping can contact Jessica at [email protected].

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