Safer cannabis use
Learn more about lower-risk guidelines for cannabisconsumption on campus, and laws and by-laws that could impact you.
Interested in harm reduction training? Check out Safer Substance Use: Harm Reduction
Using cannabis
If you choose to consume cannabis, there are ways to do it as safely as possible. This page contains lower-risk guidelines for cannabis consumption and information about laws and by-laws that could impact you.
In Alberta:
- Anyone 18+ can purchase from a licensed retailer
- You can buy or carry up to 30 grams (1.05 ounces) at a time
- Driving high is illegal and cannabis should be transported out of reach of anyone in a vehicle
- Four plants can be grown per household
- Edibles aren’t legal to sell
- Landlord/tenant agreements or condo bylaws may restrict cannabis consumption in rental units
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In Calgary:
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Recreational use of cannabis isn’t allowed in any public space, in vehicles or at cannabis retail outlets
- Medically authorized cannabis can be used in areas included in smoking and vaping bylaws
- Cannabis consumption is allowed on your private property
On Campus:
- Recreational cannabis use isn’t allowed on campus – including residence, vehicles or facilities
- Medically authorized cannabis can be used in designated smoking areas
- If you have cannabis or cannabis accessories on campus, ensure they are stowed in sealed, scent-proof containers
- Growing, selling and advertising cannabis isn’t allowed on campus
Read up on theUCalgary Cannabis Policy
Look for lower-risk products
Cannabis products with higher THC are more likely to result in harm, while CBD can counteract some of THC’s adverse effects. Choosing products with a higher CBD to THC ratio reduces some risks.
Let the smoke out
Avoid “deep inhalation” or “breath-holding.” While these practices are meant to increase psychoactive experiences, they also increase the amount of toxic material absorbed by your body.
Choose natural products
Compared to natural cannabis products, syntheticproducts can lead to severe health problems, and haveresulted in deaths.
Occasional use is best
Daily cannabis use is linked to higher risk of health and social problems. Limit yourself to occasional use, like weekends or one day per week.
Wait a while before driving
Cannabis use causes impairment and increases your risk of being involved in an accident. Wait at least six hours after using before driving.
When to avoid using
If you or an immediate family member has a history of psychosis or substance use issues, you may have an increased risk of cannabis-related mental health concerns. Avoid using cannabis when pregnant.
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If you’re planning to consume cannabis, here’s some information about what you can expect. If you’re thinking about working, studying or driving, keep in mind functional impairment can last for 24 hours or longer after the duration of the initial high.
Smoking:
There’s a variety of cannabis strains, concentrations and potency that can be smoked in joint form or using a pipe, bong or other accessories.
Onset:Within seconds
Duration of high:one to threehours
Vaping:
The cannabis is heated at a lower temperature than burning, and the vapour is inhaled. Vaping creates less odour and smoke than smoking and potentially less toxins.
Onset:Within seconds
Duration of high:one to three hours
Edibles:
Cannabis butter or oil is used as an ingredient in a variety of baked goods, beverages or candy. The effects last longer, and it can be hard to determine potency.
Onset:Up to 90 minutes
Duration of high:four to six hours
Tinctures:
Tinctures are usually made by dissolving cannabis in alcohol. Specific concentrations are made and taken under the tongue.
Onset:20-30 minutes
Duration of high:Several hours
Dabbing:
Dabs are chemically concentrated products with high levels of THC. These can have stronger effects and more risks than other consumption methods.
Onset:Within seconds
Duration of high:one to three hours
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How often are UCalgary students using cannabis?
- 69.7 per cent reported no cannabis use in the past sixmonths
- 17.3 per cent used cannabis monthly or less
- 5.8 per cent used two to fourtimes a month
- 3.5 per cent used two to threetimes a week
- 3.7 per cent used four or more timesa week
Source: 2018 UCalgary Campus Experience with Cannabis Survey.
Cannabis FAQs
Some commonly asked questions about cannabis use at UCalgary
Many faculties enforce distinct rules around drug and alcohol use which must be followed.Where there is no such guidance, it’s up to individual students to make decisions that will maximize the value of their learning experience at the university and offer appropriate respect and attention to their instructors and classmates. Students’ behavior may attract consequences under theStudent Non-Academic Misconduct Policy.
No. The Cannabis Policy is clear that academic staff members, employees, appointees, and postdoctoral scholars may not be impaired while at work because of the use or after effects of cannabis.
Campus Security will approach cannabis use on campus with the aim of helping individuals manage their own consumption in a way that complies with the Cannabis Policy. While the approach will invite open communication, those who actively refuse to comply with the policy could face consequences.
In cases involving students, theStudent Non-Academic Misconduct Policywill govern responses to violations of the Cannabis Policy.
Employees who do not comply with the Cannabis Policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment in accordance with any applicable collective agreement.
Visitors (including volunteers and contractors) who violate the Cannabis Policy may be asked to leave campus.
In addition, municipal bylaw officers can fine individuals up to $100 for breach of the municipal bylaw.
Yes.People using cannabis for medical reasons must carry proof of their authorization and adhere to the university’sSmoking Policyand allandrelated to smoking and vaping. Some people have particular sensitivities to the smell of cannabis and there are members of particularly vulnerable populations on campus. Cannabis use must not interfere with those people’s access to, and enjoyment of, our campus.
Cannabis plants may not be grown on campus or in/on university facilities with the exception of cannabis grown in laboratories for teaching and research purposes.
No. Despite the fact that cannabis is legal and regulated in Canada, it is illegal to transport cannabis across Canada's national borders. Learn more about.
Generally, students do not need to disclose their medically authorized use of cannabis.
If using medically authorised cannabis will interfere with a Student’s ability to access the university it may be necessary to disclose the medical authorisation as part of making arrangements to remove barriers to access. Please visit theStudent Accommodation Policyand theProcedure for Accommodation for Students with Disabilitiesfor more information on that process.
- for information on health, travel, impairment and more.
- for information on cannabis laws and impaired driving.
- for information on public consumption, medical consumption, cannabis retail, and engagement and research.
For an even deeper dive on Cannabis, check out:
- by the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education
Download a Safer Cannabis Use PDF
Reduce your risk
Do you have questions about lower-risk use of cannabis, or want help cutting back?There’s support here on campus:
Cannabis and mental health
How does cannabis work on the brain? Will legalization trigger an epidemic? Dr. Matt Hill, PhD, Assistant Professor, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and a member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education clears the smoke about cannabis.
Amplifying youth voices
Is there a better approach than lecturing young people about cannabis use? Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah, PhD, Assistant Professor at ɫ Department of Community Health Sciences and member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education and the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, clears the smoke.
Cannabis legalization and gateway drugs
What is the difference between legalization and decriminalization? Is cannabis a gateway drug? Dr. Fiona Clement PhD, Director of the Health Technology Assessment Unit, O’Brien Institute for Public Health, clears the smoke about cannabis.
Therapeutic use and mental health risks
When it comes to youth consumption of cannabis, therapeutic use can sometimes be at odds with mental health. Dr. Chris Wilkes, MD, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, clears the smoke about cannabis.