Marijuana legalization is set to begin next summer and school boards in Northern BC are gearing up for the change.
The NDP government is still working on the details before it releases its final plan for legalization, but it’s expected to coincide with the minimum age of tobacco and alcohol.
SD57 School Board Chair Tim Bennett says whatever the government has planned, the students come first.
“Health and safety of our students is first and foremost. Making sure that our buildings are places where students can come in and receive a quality education.”
Bennett adds when cannabis becomes legalized, use of the substance will remain prohibited in schools.
“Our districts and our schools have policies regarding the use of any substance through our healthy school initiative and through various policies including the student use or the student code of conduct.”
The school district has been invited to the BC School Trustee Association (BCSTA) provide any feedback on this matter ahead of the provincial government’s release.
The federal government’s target date to legalize marijuana is July 1st, 2018.