Cannabis and schools
Even though recreational cannabis is legal for adults, 19 or older, it is not allowed in Ontario schools. Read the rules and find resources for educators.
Overview
Recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada on October 17, 2018. Learn about Cannabis laws.
In Ontario, you must be 19 years or older to use, buy, possess, cultivate or distribute cannabis. This is the same as the minimum age for tobacco and alcohol sales.
Ontario is working with community partners to increase awareness about cannabis, help prevent and delay cannabis use among youth, promote healthy decision-making and ensure student safety.
Learn more about youth and cannabis use and risks to mental health from using cannabis.
Recreational cannabis is not allowed at schools
Even though recreational cannabis is legal for adults, 19 or older, it is not allowed:
- at schools
- on school property
- school-related activities
Smoking or vaping cannabis is not allowed:
- at schools
- on school grounds
- all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds
Students can carry medical cannabis
Students may carry cannabis for medical purposes on school premises.
School boards are responsible for developing policies and procedures around the administration and storage of medications in schools. These policies and procedures are based on the local needs of the school board student population, and where applicable, guided by Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 81 – Provision of Health Support Services in School Settings.
Resources for educators
- Cannabis information for schools and school boards
- Cannabis: What Educators Need to Know (a resource from CAMH: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
- Cannabis education: activate the discussion guide from Ophea
- Information on suspension/expulsion, reporting and responding to incidents, and the provincial Code of Conduct
- Vaping: What secondary school educators need to know (a resource from CAMH: the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)