Office of Risk & Safety HomeOn October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal in Canada. The following directory will guide you to information on new federal and provincial legislation, as well as Queen’s University policies and guidelines that have changed with the advent of the new laws.
The Legislation:
In accordance with the Government of Canada’s Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Control Act of Ontario:
- You must be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis.
- You may possess a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent in public at any time.
- The Smoke-Free Ontario Act permits smoking or vaping cannabis wherever tobacco smoking and vaping is permitted (excluding motor vehicles), except on any Queen’s University property as per the Smoke-Free University Policy.
- It is illegal to consume cannabis in a workplace.
The federal government also provides information on cannabis health effects, cannabis and international travel and accessing cannabis for medical purposes, as well as resources to help discuss cannabis with various audiences.
The Government of Ontario has also outlined its provincial rules and regulations.
Cannabis on Campus
The legalization of cannabis has prompted Queen's University to institute an array of policy changes and additions that apply to every member of the campus community:
Consumption of cannabis is subject to a number of restrictions
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Smoking or vaping of cannabis is prohibited on the Queen's University campus, unless approved for medical or research use, as per the university’s Smoke-Free University Policy.
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Use of recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal.
Growing/cultivation/distribution/sale of cannabis is strictly prohibited on campus or in university facilities, including residences.
Posession of cannabis on campus is subject to a number of restrictions:
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Under-age possession (under 19 years old) of cannabis, cannabis byproducts (including but not limited to oils, edibles, seeds, or plants) is prohibited, as is possession of cannabis accessories (bongs, grinders, pipes, and vaporizers, etc).
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Those 19 years old and over may possess quantities as outlined by Ontario's government.
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Possessed cannabis must be secured (not accessible to others), and stowed in a scent-free manner.
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Possessing cannabis while in operation, or as a passenger, of a university vehicle is prohibited.
Accommodations for medical cannabis will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with federal and provincial laws. See the sections below for accommodations related to students or faculty/staff.
The use of cannabis or cannabis accessories on university property for teaching and/or research purposes, must be conducted under the university institutional license or licenses issued by Health Canada. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for information.
More Information
It is important for students, faculty, and staff to understand the campus/workplace expectations and guidelines related to cannabis use.
For Students
Visit the Student Affairs cannabis page for student-related information, including:
- Cannabis rules in Queen's Residences
- Cannabis and the Student Code of Conduct
- Health resources
For Faculty/Staff
Learn how cannabis policies impact employees, including: