By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

U of L to allow restricted use of recreational cannabis on local campus

Sep 17, 2018 | 4:56 AM

LETHBRIDGE – When recreational cannabis becomes legal Oct. 17, the University of Lethbridge will be ready for it. 

Kathleen Massey, Associate Vice-President of Students, said after much consultation last year, the U of L has decided, to allow restricted use of recreational marijuana in certain areas.

The consultations began last fall with several university stakeholders. They continued through the winter and spring terms when public consultations at both the Lethbridge and Calgary campuses began in conjunction with advice from experts to understand the implications of cannabis use. The final policy was passed by the University’s Board of Governors in June.

“The feedback that we received was quite balanced and I have to say quite thoughtful, informed, and an opportunity for a lot of learning, as people brought different levels of expertise and knowledge to the conversation,” Massey said.

The rules, she emphasized, will be compliant with all the legislation and regulations that the City of Lethbridge, Province and Federal Governments set out.

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“We’re taking a harm reduction and education approach, but also a very balanced approach,” she added. “In terms of smoking and vaping, there will only be five locations where it will be permitted. They’re all outdoor locations away from sensitive areas.”

Massey said medical health, addictions and faculty members who have done research on cannabis use were all invited to give their input.

“They were very helpful in terms of sharing their expertise and knowledge. And I think there’s more to learn.”

That may include revisiting their policy after a year or two, to see where it may need to be improved upon or changed – and if it’s accomplishing what they hoped it would.

She also said many students are already using cannabis recreationally, and so this was an opportunity for the university to educate them more on the repercussions, consequences and effects or benefits that marijuana can have on the brain and the rest of the body.

“It’s important for us as a university to provide as much good information as possible for people to make good decisions.”

Massey also pointed out that because the U of L’s campus in Calgary is mainly indoors, smoking or vaping recreational marijuana will not be permitted.

LNN also approached Lethbridge College about their recreational marijuana policy. However, we were told that officials are still in the process of developing the policies at this time.