Okanagan College gets set to deal with cannabis on campus

OKANAGAN – With over 8,500 students at four campuses, Okanagan College has just as much need as the big universities for a coherent cannabis policy come Oct. 17.

That’s when recreational consumption of some forms of cannabis becomes legal and when communications manager Tyler Finley says the college will have its own regulations ready.

“Right now, pursuant to Bill 30 (Cannabis Control and Licensing Act), we are treating cannabis in a similar manner to alcohol in that it’s an intoxicant,” Finley says.

“Currently, they are not allowed on campus and cannabis won’t be consumed at college because it’s a public space, except in the case of students living in residence. We still have to clarify that point,” Finley adds.

Smoking and vaping won’t be allowed but consumption of edibles is still under consideration.

“It could be consumed as an edible product although the federal government indicates edible products won’t be available for sales at first,” Finley says. “We’re working on it but it take a bit more time."

The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act lays out strict regulations around consumption near primary schools but does not mention colleges or universities.

UBC Okanagan, meanwhile, will likely see its regulations set in Vancouver, although some 10,000 students attend its Kelowna campus.

The University of British Columbia would not comment on its cannabis policies because they aren’t complete, according to a CTV news report.

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