NOTE: Please check this website for updates to stay informed about any changes to Ryerson's cannabis rules.
On October 17, 2018 the cultivation, sale, possession and use of recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada. Ryerson University is committed to the success of its students, faculty and staff, and is amending its policies to reflect this legislative change.
Though the law is different, our values remain the same. Ryerson is focused on maintaining a safe, secure and healthy environment that puts people first, is supportive of the whole person, and enhances the development of physical, mental and spiritual well-being of its community members.
To help with the transition, this website will serve as a central hub to answer your questions, provide you with updates, and direct you to valuable resources along the way.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure a positive experience for everyone on campus.
Ryerson's Approach
To prepare for changes in legislation, in January 2018, the University brought together a cross-functional group called the Legalization of Cannabis Steering Committee to coordinate and drive the work required to ensure that Ryerson is ready for the changes.
Ryerson’s internal committee had representation from various administrative units across the university. The committee examined the university’s internal policies, procedures, practices and health promotion programming in order make the necessary changes in preparation for legalization.
The university also consulted student leaders from the Ryerson Students' Union (RSU), worked with representatives from the Residence Council, and collaborated with universities across the province through a Council of Ontario Universities working group on the legalization of Cannabis.
Ryerson remains committed to working with all levels of government, our stakeholders and our neighbours throughout this process, and is taking the following measures to ensure that our community is up to date and ready for legalization:
- Created this online hub to provide answers to frequently asked questions
- Established a health promotion strategy
- Updated the Residence Community Standards
- Reminded staff and faculty about standard practices and procedures, as outlined in HR policy and collective agreements, in order to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all employees
- Informed the Ryerson community that smoking/vaping inside University buildings and within nine metres of entrances and exits is not permitted.
As we go through the first year of this approach, we will continue to amend the strategy as required, and to incorporate feedback from various Ryerson community members and stakeholders.
We will also continue to work with colleagues across Ontario universities through the COU’s Cannabis Working Group to ensure that Ryerson’s approach is aligned with those of other institutions across the province.
Ryerson has a comprehensive health and wellness campaign that educates community members on the risks of cannabis consumption and encouraging healthy choices.
We would like to remind our community members that Ryerson has comprehensive health and wellness units that are dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the community:
- Students are encouraged to visit Ryerson Student Affairs Health and Wellness for resources and support.
- Staff and faculty are encouraged to visit Workplace Wellbeing Services for resources and support.