TVDSB Issue Statement on Legalized Marijuana

Tuesday, 16 October 2018 15:18

The TVDSB is reminding staff and students that it is still illegal to smoke marijuana at school.

The Thames Valley District School Board has issued a statement as it relates to recreational marijuana becoming legal on Wednesday.

The statement reads as follows:

On Oct. 17, 2018, cannabis will be made legal by the federal government. It will be legal for individuals 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis. Cannabis will still be illegal for anyone under the age of 19 in Ontario, even after legalization, which includes most school-aged children and youth. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol in Ontario.

TVDSB Code of Conduct: Tobacco, Cannabis and Smoke-Free Environment

Students, staff and visitors are prohibited from smoking or vaping on school board property and within 20 metres from any point of the perimeter of any school board property. This includes the smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (marijuana), and includes a ban on the use of e-cigarettes and electronic smoking devices. Students and staff that have a legal medical document authorizing them to use medical cannabis will be able to do so on school board property, but only in a non-smoking or non-vaping form (e.g., capsules, edibles and oils). Students, staff and visitors are also prohibited from using shisha, smokeless tobacco and/or cannabis products (unless medically prescribed) and all related accessories. This code of conduct is in effect 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and on school buses, or during any part of an official school field trip, including athletic team trips and school club excursions.

Failure to comply with the code of conduct will result in punishment with the school and possible charges or fines from the police.

The Ontario government has passed legislation to prohibit cannabis consumption at schools and places where children gather. It is illegal for anyone to smoke or vape cannabis:

- 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