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This article was published 1/9/2018 (753 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Brandon’s leading post-secondary institutions are grappling with how they will handle recreational cannabis-smoking students come its Oct. 17 legalization.

In accordance with provincial legislation that prohibits smoking and vaping cannabis in most public places, smoking marijuana will not be permitted on the Brandon University campus, as the space is also considered public property in Manitoba law.

BU dean of students Katie Gross said a new policy, which is expected to be approved within the next few weeks, may eventually change and exemptions could be granted for medical purposes, but those will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

"All universities across Canada are expecting that the legislation will evolve, so we’re expecting that in a year, possibly, the provincial government may change their view on that (with) the introduction of oils and ingestibles," Gross said.

BU is being treated as a public space since it is generally accessible by the public, Gross said, whether it’s the library, lectures or sporting events.

The BU board of governors is expected to consider a policy about responsible substance use and harm reduction by the end of September, which will deal with detecting signs of impairment and what to do if medical attention is required. Smoking is currently banned in residences.

"So right now, we’re primarily concerned with the safety and security of students, faculty and staff," Gross said.

Brandon University Students’ Union president Justin Shannon described the policy around consumption as concerning.

"It’s certainly something that I and BUSU will raise with the board of governors," he said, adding that there should be a location on campus for students to smoke in accordance with the law.

"But I think ... the problem is going to be how the law was drafted in Manitoba — that (it) treated marijuana very differently than tobacco is treated."

A spokesperson for Assiniboine Community College referenced the provincial ban on smoking cannabis and e-cigarettes in public places and said the college is in the process of updating its own policy around cannabis.

"Our policies stay in compliance with (the) legislation," the spokesperson said.

Assiniboine Community College Students’ Association president Tulsa Labonté said they will be promoting cannabis awareness once school starts, including its potential benefits and risks, as part of their Wellness Wednesday Initiatives for students.

However, the campus will not be hosting any events that provide for, or encourage, cannabis use on campus at this time, she said.

Labonté added that they are also looking into possible coverage in later years for medical cannabis within the ACCSA Student Health and Dental Plan.

"We look forward to working with our council to best assess the opportunities and/or challenges it may have for our students," she said.

Meanwhile, Canadian Institutes of Health Research cannabis researcher Zach Walsh said legalization may have a positive effect on post-secondary campuses.

"When we think about the assaults or some of the accidents that happen on campus, a lot of those are related to alcohol use," Walsh said. "If cannabis cuts down on alcohol use, it may be able to improve the social climate on campus.

"If campuses make strict anti-cannabis regulations, they may be driving away students and they may end up victimizing those students that use cannabis."

When it comes to legalization and how it will affect university campuses, it’s important people look at things from an open viewpoint, Walsh said.

"We have to have a common-sense and rational approach to it at the campus level, and recognize that university students are adults who can make their own decision around substance use."

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