Today, October 17, 2018, the Federal Cannabis Act takes effect making it legal for adults to purchase, possess and grow certain amounts of cannabis in Canada. To reflect this legal change, the North Vancouver School District has updated two policies: Policy 804: Use of Tobacco, Vapour Products and Cannabis on Board Premises, and Policy 506: Employee Code of Conduct. 

What do these changes mean?

• Cannabis use remains illegal for people under the age of 19. Just as with alcohol, minors are not allowed to use cannabis. 
• Just as with tobacco and vapour products, smoking or vaping cannabis is not permitted on school district properties by students or adults, nor is it permitted within certain prescribed distances around school properties or anywhere where smoking is prohibited.
• The North Vancouver School District Employee Code of Conduct continues to have a zero tolerance policy on the impairment of employees while at work or in performances of work duties, whether under the influence of cannabis, alcohol or any other restricted substance.

Vancouver Coastal Health, in partnership with North Vancouver School District and Foundry North Shore, is hosting a free community event about the legalization of cannabis. Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 7-9 p.m. at the Education Services Centre (2121 Lonsdale Ave, 5th Floor). Parents, professionals and youth are invited to hear a keynote presentation by Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, Medical Health Officer for North Shore & Sea to Sky, and to share their thoughts about the legalization of cannabis. Please RSVP: legalizationofcannabis.eventbrite.com.

Parents may also find this resource helpful: 10 Questions About Cannabis Use and Your Teen.

Sincerely,

Mark Pearmain

Superintendent, North Vancouver School District