Smoke-free campus
Cape Breton University to limit all smoking to two designated areas
Cannabis use will be limited to two designated areas at Cape Breton University once legalization comes into effect later this month.
The notes on cannabis are found in the university’s new “Smoke-free Campus Policy” that comes into effect on Oct. 17, the same day as its legalization in Canada.
The university’s new policy not only covers cannabis, but also tobacco, hookas (pipes) and e-cigarettes, and applies to students, employees, contract service workers and visitors to campus.
Non-smokers were still mostly familiarizing themselves with the new policy when asked about it on Wednesday. For the most part, though, they were in favour of it.
Chelsea Foote noticed posters for the policy spread through the university and initially found herself in favour, especially the part about designated areas to smoke.
“I feel like non-smokers are going to appreciate it because some people might have asthma or things that they struggle with when around smoke,” said the communications student.
“I feel those that do smoke will understand because I feel like that kind of policy has always been in place. It’s not unusual for them to have to have an area.”
She thinks the cannabis inclusion is an important part of the policy.
“It’s going to be a more of a public thing and that might be another thing people are supersensitive about. They don’t want to have that smell around all the time.”
Not everyone wants to be subjected to a smoking environment, noted Madeline Johnson.
“If you only have two spaces, it still allows people that do smoke the opportunity to participate in that activity,” said the business student.
“Those that don’t appreciate that kind of activity don’t have to be involved with it.”
Jasmine Price-pierro noted the presence of children on campus at the university daycare as one reason a smoke-free campus is a good idea.
As for Bryson Smith, also a non-smoker, he hopes the new policy will clarify once and for all where people can smoke on university grounds.
“We have one (policy) at the Una’maki College and clearly they don’t know where it is because they are always smoking near the doors,” he said. “Not only are you breathing that in, but it also gets in through the doors.”
Perhaps it was the heavy rain that was falling on Wednesday or simply a sign of the times, but smokers were in short supply around the campus.
A few were spotted avoiding raindrops in doorways and under trees.
None were ready to comment on the new policy just yet, citing its newness and their unfamiliarity with it.
In a press release on the smoke-free policy, the university also noted cannabis legislation means the amendment of several other policies including the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Agreement and the addition of a new Substance Use Policy.
Under these policies, employees and students are expected to be at work and in class unimpaired, cannabis cannot be grown in residence, and employees are prohibited from using cannabis during work hours or on university property.
“We know the detrimental impact smoking has on the health and well-being of smokers and others,” said CBU President David Dingwall, in a press release.
“Our new ‘Smoke-free Campus Policy’ is a step toward a healthier campus and ensures the right supports are available to people who are ready to quit smoking.”
Visit www.cbu.ca/smokefreecampus for more information on the policy.