UVic is adopting protocols for recreational cannabis as federal and provincial laws change Oct. 17 to permit legalized cannabis use.

Get information outlining UVic's cannabis protocol for students and cannabis protocol for faculty and staff.

Proactive education, including topics on lifestyle choices, impact on health and wellness, and harm reduction remains a priority in building awareness about cannabis use with UVic's student community.

UVic has created designated areas (PDF) for cannabis smoking and vaping to ensure the university is providing a safe on-campus option designed to prevent smoking in bordering neighbourhoods or in fire-sensitive natural areas. The designated areas will be accessible for adults living on campus, consistent with regional bylaws and occupational health and safety regulations, and away from high-traffic areas.

Nothing changes for faculty and staff on Oct. 17. Employees will continue to have a statutory responsibility to report for work fit for duty, unimpaired by any substance use. Similarly, laws and policies regarding medical cannabis are generally unchanged. Where a student or an employee claims medical need for marijuana, the university will continue to treat the claim like any other request for accommodation.