The Alcohol & Cannabis standard ensures that students use controlled substances, such as alcohol and cannabis, responsibly and in compliance with Nova Scotia’s provincial Alcohol and Cannabis laws and NSCC Drug and Alcohol Use Policy.  NSCC is committed to creating a safe, respectful environment where students can enjoy these substances in moderation while discouraging abuse.

Students are responsible for understanding and following the laws around alcohol and cannabis consumption, transportation, and restrictions. In Nova Scotia, the legal age for consuming alcohol and cannabis is 19.

Summary of expectations

• As each are often associated with irresponsible consumption, the mass or rapid/swift consumption of alcohol, participation in drinking games or events, use of alcohol paraphernalia (for example funnels, drinking Jenga, etc.) are not permitted in NSCC Campus Housing.
• Alcohol and cannabis must be stored in an individual student’s private room.
• As cannabis has an odor, it should be stored in airtight containers, to minimize the environmental impacts on the community.
  • There should be no discernable odor of cannabis inside Campus Housing.
• Possession and/or consumption of “common source” alcohol over 40 ounces (e.g., kegs, large containers of pre-mixed alcohol, etc.) within Campus Housing is prohibited.
• Alcohol and cannabis are not permitted to be consumed in shared common spaces (common lounges, hallways or kitchens).
  • This does not pertain to shared spaces within suites.
• Transportation of open or unsealed alcohol is not permitted in Campus Housing.
• Baking, growing, or smoking cannabis is not permitted in Campus Housing.

For additional information on other substance use expectations, please refer to the chapters on Smoking  and Illegal Substances and Narcotics .

This standard aims to ensure the responsible use of alcohol and cannabis while maintaining a respectful and safe living environment for all students.

Examples of Breaches of Alcohol & Cannabis Standard

The following are examples of breaches that may occur in Campus Housing. Please note that these examples are fictitious and have been created by NSCC Housing & Student Life staff as hypotheticals, based on years of experience working in housing. They are not reflective of current student breaches. Responses to breaches may vary depending on the specific circumstances, including the severity of the behavior, the impact on others, and any prior breaches. The details of each situation will be carefully considered before determining the appropriate action.

• A student who is 20-years-old is seen carrying an open can of beer through the hallway on their way to another student’s private room. This is their first violation, and they immediately apologized and corrected their actions. Although they are not consuming it in a common area, carrying open alcohol in the hallway violates the Alcohol & Cannabis standard. (Level 1 Standard breach)
• A group of students are found consuming alcohol in their private room during quiet hours. While they are of legal age and consuming alcohol responsibly, they are using a drinking game (such as “Kings Cup”) to facilitate consumption. (Level 2 Standard breach)
• A student who is above the age of consumption (20-years-old) provides alcohol to a student who is 18 years of age (not above the age of consumption). (Level 3 Standard breach)