By UMSU Executive Committee
On the eve of cannabis legalization, we want to recognize this legislative change as a progressive step towards a realistic national drug strategy in Canada that enables the shift towards an educational and public health emphasis, rather than criminalization. It is in our shared interest to ensure that the on-campus rules and regulations implemented, both at the outset of legalization and as time passes, best reflect a system that is rooted in safety and education around consumption. UMSU is eager to work with the University to achieve this.
UMSU advocates from the understanding that students are adults and can make decisions regarding their own actions – that includes the decision to use cannabis. However, both UMSU and the University have a social responsibility to ensure educational materials and relevant support resources are available. This is especially true in providing an honest assessment of the potential risks of cannabis usage; but also to counter the stigma and discrimination that cannabis users have historically faced. The role of UMSU in education and awareness initiatives will invariably change over time, but will always be founded in a continual focus on harm reduction.
To see UMSU’s full position statement on cannabis passed by the UMSU Board of Directors on April 5, 2018, please see page 16 of the UMSU Position Statement Book, available here:
Should you have any questions regarding available education materials and supports related to cannabis please contact UMSU VP Advocacy, Sarah Bonner-Proulx, at vpa@umsu.ca.
