Cannabis

Recreational cannabis was legalized on October 17, 2018, by the Federal Government. Below is an overview, based on information provided by the Government of Ontario, of recreational cannabis laws in Ontario. Please note that medical cannabis will continue to be subject to different rules than recreational cannabis.

It may helpful to think of recreational cannabis in the same way that we treat alcohol, in regards to our students and schools.

The information below has been modified from the Government of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization

Minimum age is 19

You must be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol in Ontario.

Where smoking or vaping cannabis is allowed

The government has enacted the following rules for using cannabis, both medical and recreational.

Where people can smoke or vape cannabis*

Private residences– this does not include residences that are also workplaces (e.g. long-term care and/or retirement homes)
Many outdoor public places (e.g. sidewalks, parks)
Designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns

*Additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in municipal bylaws, lease agreements, and the policies of employers and property owners.

Where people cannot smoke or vape cannabis

Indoors

Indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings
Enclosed public places and enclosed work places
Non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns

Schools and places where children gather

At school, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20m of these grounds
On children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20m of playgrounds
In child care centres, or where an early years program is provided
In places where home child care is provided – even if children aren’t present

Hospitals, hospices, care homes and other facilities

Within 9m from the entrance or exit of hospitals (public/private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, independent health facilities
On outdoor grounds of hospitals (public/private) and psychiatric facilities
In non-controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, provincially-funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities, and residential hospices

Publicly owned spaces

You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in publicly-owned sport fields (not including golf courses), nearby spectator areas and public areas within 20m of these areas

Vehicles and boats

You cannot consume cannabis (smoking, vaping, eating) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at risk of being put into motion

Other outdoor areas

In restaurants and on bar patios and public areas within 9m of a patio
On outdoor grounds of Ontario government office buildings
In reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
On grounds of community recreational facilities, and public areas within 20m of those grounds
In sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent, or are invited to (e.g. a bus shelter)

Driving

Using cannabis and driving is illegal and dangerous. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.

If a police officer finds someone impaired by any drug, including cannabis, while driving, they will face serious penalties, including:

An immediate licence suspension
Financial penalties
Possible vehicle impoundment
Possible criminal record
Possible jail time

Police officers will be authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside. Once a federally approved device is available, those devices will help police enforce the law.

Learn what counts as impaired driving and the penalties people could face for it.

Zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers

You are not allowed to have any cannabis in your system (as detected by a federally approved oral fluid screening device) if you are driving a motor vehicle and:

You are 21 or under
Have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence

Learn more about zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers.

Where adults can buy recreational cannabis

As of October 17, 2018, people age 19 and over are able to purchase cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store. Online orders will be delivered safely and securely. Consumers will be required to verify their age to accept delivery and no packages will be left unattended at the door.

The Ontario Cannabis Store website is the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. It follows strict rules set by the federal government.

The government is also moving forward with a tightly regulated private retail model for cannabis that will launch by April 1, 2019. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the provincial regulator authorized to grant store licences. The Ontario Cannabis Store will be the exclusive wholesaler to these stores. Private stores will be introduced with strict controls to safeguard children and youth and combat the illegal market.

How much cannabis can adults possess?

Adults can have a maximum of 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis in public at any time.

Growing cannabis

Adults may grow up to four plants per residence (not per person).

Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis is subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government.

If a health care professional has already authorized someone to use cannabis for medical reasons, access does not change when recreational cannabis is legal. Smoking and vaping medical cannabis are not allowed on school property.

The only way to purchase medical cannabis is from:

A federally licensed producer online
By written order
Over the phone and delivered by secure mail

Other Information – UGDSB

Cannabis Education

Students will continue to learn about cannabis and other drugs as part of the regular curriculum.

Addiction Support

If you know of someone who is struggling with addiction, please contact:

For students: School Social Worker
For staff: Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1 (800) 387-3765, or CAMH at www.camh.ca
For other community members: CAMH (www.camh.ca)

Board Policies

The board has a number of existing policies in place that speak to conduct around alcohol and drugs including:

Resources

For Parents

For Youth

For Educators

This information has been modified from the Government of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization