Quest University is allowing the smoking of cannabis on campus, but only in designated smoking areas outside.
But one smoking spot – the northeast corner of the library building – is off limits so smokers can have a pot-free area if they want.
“We want to be sure we are following best practices, as well as honouring our responsibilities to our students and the rest of the community,” reads a letter from Quest that was sent to students outlining the new rules. “Our primary concern is the health, wellness and safety of all members of Quest.”
Quest is joining other universities that are allowing students and staff to enjoy a toke on campus. For instance, in a draft policy, UBC gave the green light to smoking cannabis in large areas of the campus, away from where hospital and medical buildings are clustered. Until a policy is formed, SFU has temporary pot-smoking areas that are separate from where tobacco can be smoked.
Non-medical cannabis was legalized in Canada on Oct. 17.
At Quest, students and staff aren’t allowed to smoke pot on field trips or during field study courses.
Growing cannabis on campus is banned due to the smell and risk of harm to the buildings. For similar reasons, cooking with cannabis is also not allowed.
Earlier this year, the Canadian Cancer Society urged campuses across the country to ban smoking – both cannabis and tobacco. In B.C., Langara College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Douglas College, University of the Fraser Valley and Trinity Western University have gone smoke-free.
