Cannabis will become legal in Canada starting October 17, 2018. In anticipation of this change, a number of Sheridan Policies have been updated to reflect the new legislation. These include the Smoke-Free Sheridan Policy, the Code of Civility and Professionalism, and the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, Sheridan has created a Smoking Cessation Reimbursement Procedure and an Impairment in the Working and Learning Environment Guideline to assist employees in understanding their rights and obligations.
The following is an overview of the policies and procedures. To view the full document please click on the links.
Smoking any form of tobacco and/or cannabis, vaping and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (e.g. chewing tobacco) will not be permitted anywhere on Sheridan campuses as of October 17, 2018. In accordance with applicable legislation and the Workplace Accommodation Policy, Sheridan will provide accommodation for the medical use of cannabis. The policy includes exceptions for Sheridan community members for the burning or smudging of sacred medicines as part of Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices in accordance with Sheridan’s Indigenous Ceremonial Burning Protocol.
Code for Civility and Professionalism
An update to the policy was made to reflect that all members of the Sheridan community do not present or behave unprofessionally due to the effects of alcohol or drugs* (prescribed or other drugs). *In keeping with the Workplace Accommodation Policy, employees can request accommodation for medical use of drugs which does or could affect behaviour in the workplace.
The policy has been updated to reflect that while smoking of cannabis is not permitted on campus, the legal possession of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia will not be subject to sanction under the Code. Separate to the topic of cannabis, the Code has been updated to include a process for transcript notations for Non-Academic Suspension and Non-Academic Expulsion.
Smoking Cessation Reimbursement Procedure
This procedure was developed to provide additional support to Eligible Employees as OHIP and current benefit plans do not cover smoking cessation programs or products. This benefit is available to Eligible Employees with a reimbursement of 50% of eligible Smoking Cessation Expenses, up to a lifetime maximum of $500.00.
Impairment in the Working and Learning Environment Guideline
This guide has been developed to inform employees about the upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis, how to recognize impairment (from cannabis use and signs of impairment not specific to any substance), a recommended approach to addressing someone who appears to be impaired, and supports and resources that are available at Sheridan for students and employees. This guide was developed by Occupational Health and Safety Services to promote a healthy and safe working and learning environment for everyone, in consultation with Sheridan Security, Student Affairs, Office of General Counsel and HR.
If you have any questions or require any of this information in an accessible format, please email sharecleanair@sheridancollege.ca.