Conestoga has approved new Substance Use Guidelines that provide a framework to regulate the use of alcohol, cannabis, drugs and other substances on all college properties and facilities. The guidelines will take effect on October 17, 2018, the date that recreational cannabis becomes legal in Canada.
The guidelines apply to all members of the college community, including students, employees, contractors, the general public, and any groups or individuals using college facilities.
Under the guidelines, the burning, consumption, preparation or production of recreational cannabis on college property or in college facilities is strictly prohibited.
The use of medical cannabis on college property will require appropriate documentation and prior approval from the college office responsible for academic or workplace accommodations. Students seeking permission to use medical cannabis on college property must contact Student Accessibility Services. Employees seeking similar permission must contact Human Resources.
In addition to cannabis use, the guidelines address the possession, use, sale or distribution of alcohol and drugs (including illicit, recreational and prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications) on college properties or in college facilities.
The guidelines also provide information regarding behavioral standards and supports available to members of the college community.
In situations where an individual’s behavior, whether or not it is suspected to be the result of substance use, is deemed to pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, the individual’s faculty member or supervisor has the right to limit participation in academic or workplace activities.
Conestoga’s Substance Use Guidelines were developed to ensure that the college is in compliance with provincial and federal legislation regulating the use of both legal and illegal substances.
The college recognizes the risks associated with substance use and is committed to providing education on harm-reductive use and prevention as well as individualized support for members of our college community.
Read the Substance Use Guidelines