By: Mariyam Khaja
In the wake of marijuana legalization, Ryerson University business management student Noor Salem says she doesn’t think students should be smoking marijuana on campus.
“I just don’t feel it’s necessary to be smoking on campus- there’s the smell that’s involved, and plus university is a place of learning,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense to be doing drugs while you’re meant to be studying and learning.”
On Wednesday Oct. 17, Canada officially legalized the use of recreational marijuana, leaving universities and colleges across the country scrambling to finalize policies that regulate the use of marijuana on campus.
Despite policies at Ryerson University stating that students cannot smoke marijuana inside school buildings, residences or within nine metres of building entrances and exits, some students are still wary of the drug’s increased use on campus.
“It’s a question of courtesy to not smoke on campus, and those smoking should take into consideration how other people may feel about it,” said Tomide Osunsanya, a third-year politics and governance student.
“Personally, I don’t like the smell of it and even thought I don’t smoke, being around people who do just makes me uncomfortable,” she said. Osunsanya also expressed concerns that students could “show up high to class” and disrupt learning.
However, vice-president equity Karolina Suroweic of the Ryerson Students’ Union argues students aren’t only smoking marijuana for the fun of it.
“Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to consider instances where people decide to smoke marijuana because they have anxiety or depression, and that helps them get through class and their day,” said Suroweic.
To combat the improper use of marijuana on campus, she states the university implemented “awareness and education campaigns” via social media and posters around campus that aim to regulate its use on campus and prepare students for legalization.
“The campaign lets students know ‘hey it’s legal, but these are the things that are and aren’t allowed in regard to smoking marijuana on campus.’”
According to the Ryerson University website, campus security will also help implement rules on usage of the drug, “ensuring that community members are aware of and following the rules.”
While Suroweic acknowledges that legalizing the drug will lead to more instances where “classmates might be high” or students may “find themselves around more people that do smoke”, she argues it shouldn’t be cause for concern.
“Hope for the best, because we are planning for worst-case scenarios,” she said.
Noor Salem, a second-year business management student, said that she dosen’t think students should be smoking marijuana on campus. She states university is a place for studying and learning, not doing drugs. (Mariyam Khaja/RSJ)
Tomide Osunsanya, a third-year politics and governance student, said students should avoid smoking on campus out of courtesy for peers who don’t smoke themselves and may feel uncomfortable around others that do choose to. (Mariyam Khaja/RSJ)
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