Draft CS02 Controlled Substances Prohibitions and Ceremonial Uses and procedures CS02.001 Cannabis and Tobacco products, and CS02.002 Ceremonial Uses of Smoke and Tobacco will replace the following:
- 44.01 Cannabis and Tobacco Products (approved August 23, 2018), and procedure 44.01.0001 Tobacco Use on VIU premises
- 44.15 Smudging and Other Ceremonial Uses of Smoke and Tobacco (approved February 23, 2012), and procedure 44.15.0001 Smudging and other Ceremonial Uses of Smoke and Tobacco.
Vancouver Island University is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive learning, working and living environment while recognizing Indigenous rights, cultural practices and traditions.
This policy establishes the University’s governance framework and guiding principles regarding controlled substances and the lawful use of substances for medical, educational, research, cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes.
About the policy consultation
Consultation is now closed. The consultation ran from October 7 until 4:00 p.m. on October 28, 2026. Input received during the community consultation will help inform changes to the proposed policy and procedures. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.
Policy information
This policy replaces two previous policies (Cannabis and Tobacco Products and Smudging and Other Ceremonial Uses of Smoke and Tobacco). It establishes a governance framework and guiding principles for the University to follow the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act, while also creating spaces for cultural use of controlled substances.
- CS02 Controlled Substances - Consultation Draft.pdf
- CS02.001 Cannabis and Tobacco products
- CS02.002 Ceremonial Uses of Smoke and Tobacco
Thank you for participating!
The policy consultation is now complete. The next step is for this policy to go through the Board of Governors approval process. The policy may be updated based on the feedback received. The Policy Office may also make minor changes to formatting/wording for consistency. Consultation feedback and policy changes will be outlined in the consultation report. The consultation report will be provided to the Board of Governors and posted on this policy page.
We anticipate this draft policy will be provided to the November 26, 2026 Board of Governors meeting for approval. Check back on the CS02 Controlled Substances Prohibitions and Ceremonial Uses policy page for updates as this policy moves through the policy approval process.