Credit: Pixabay
After the legalization of Cannabis, Fanshawe announced in an email to all students and staff that as of November first, all smoking will be banned from campus. Peter Gilbert, Fanshawe’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, said Fanshawe has been wanting to go smoke-free for a while.
“We didn’t have an exact date. But, when the legislation around cannabis was changed towards the middle of October, that’s when we took another look at our smoke-free policy. And said, we really should implement this sooner rather than later.” Said Gilbert.
Students who smoked are permitted to smoke outside perimeter of the campus, which is marked by the black fence surrounding the campus. If a student does not abide by the new policy, there can be some consequences. Gilbert explained that at first students that are caught smoking, will be informed that smoking is banned and that if they wish to quit there are resources available.
“So really, educational for the first while,” said Gilbert. “But there is always those who will try to smoke in another place. In time they get recognized by our campus security. As then they would move up to a warning and then if more warnings are heeded, then eventually ticketing.” Gilbert added. Currently, it is the same consequences as it was if students didn’t smoke in the designated smoking areas on campus prior.
The previous cigarette butt disposals have been removed. The campus plans to add more greenery and benches in the formerly designated smoking areas. However, nothing has been confirmed at this point. The cigarette butt disposals have moved to outside B building near the 17 west-bound bus stop. The original email stated the following: “As of November 1, 2018, smoking any form of tobacco and/or cannabis, vaping and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (commonly known as chewing tobacco) will not be permitted anywhere on Fanshawe property. These restrictions will be detailed in Policy C206 and comply with Ontario legislation which makes consumption of recreational cannabis in the workplace illegal. In accordance with applicable legislation and the Workplace Accommodation Policy, Fanshawe will provide accommodation for the medical use of cannabis.”
