Alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine

A drug is any substance that alters someone’s mental, emotional, or physical state. This includes alcohol, cannabis, nicotine (found in tobacco and some vaping products), and caffeine.

All substance use carries some risk, making it important to consider its short-term and long-term effects on your wellbeing as a student.

Not using substances altogether has the lowest risk. If you are using alcohol or other drugs, you can make a plan to reduce possible harms.

• Learn about cannabis use and its risks.
• If you're planning to use cannabis, make a plan to reduce harm when using.
• Familiarize yourself with British Columbian laws and UBC's policy around cannabis use on campus.

Part of making informed choices about substance use is knowing the laws and policies in Canada, British Columbia, and at UBC. It’s your responsibility to be aware of these laws, including knowing which drugs are legal, decriminalized, and illegal.

• Legal substances
  Alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, and nicotine can all be legally purchased and consumed in British Columbia by individuals aged 19 or older. Learn about the health effects of alcohol, cannabis, and vaping.
• Decriminalized substances 
  Opioids (such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and MDMA (ecstasy), are decriminalized for personal possession (up to a combined total of 2.5 grams) for individuals aged 18 and older in British Columbia. Learn more about BC’s decriminalization exemption and how it affects you.
• Event planning
  Students organizing an event with liquor must review the UBC policy on serving alcohol on campus. If you want to learn more about designing safer events with a harm reduction approach, you can complete the Inclusive Event Planning Canvas course, and request a workshop on Safer Party Planning.
• Rules in residence
  In UBC residences, there are rules on alcohol, smoking, and cannabis possession, which you can read in your residence contract.
• Sexual assault and substances
  At UBC, we have a Sexual Misconduct Policy. Voluntary consent must be obtained by the person initiating any action and does not exist if someone is incapacitated due to ingestion of drugs or alcohol (read sections 4.1.5., 4.1.6., and 4.1.7).
• UBC Vancouver Student Substance Use Plan
  At UBC, there are many groups working to provide education on harm reduction and substance use health. These groups meet regularly through the Substance Use Education Community of Practice at UBC Vancouver, and work to enact the Student Substance Use Plan. To connect with someone about this group and plan, email wellness.centre@ubc.ca.

If you are curious about seeking help, consider the following questions:

• How do you feel about the amount you drink and/or use, the amount of time you spend drinking and/or using, and the frequency in which you drink and/or use?
• Has anyone raised concerns about your drinking and/or substance use?
• Has alcohol and/or other drug use been affecting your grades, learning, or finances?
• Has alcohol and/or other drug use affected your ability to attend classes or labs, complete coursework, or participate in group meetings?
• Has alcohol and/or other drug use affected your relationships or responsibilities with friends, family, or partner(s)?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking and/or substance use?
• Have you tried and been unsuccessful in cutting down on your use of alcohol and/or other drugs?
• Do you find yourself drinking alcohol and/or using substances at inappropriate times?
• Do you drink and/or use substances in secret?
• Does your drinking and/or substance use ever scare you?
• Do you wish to change your relationship with alcohol and/or other substances?

If you wish to continue reflecting on your relationship with substances, you can find support options and more resources below.

It might be easier to talk with a trained student about substance use. They may understand what you’re going through and can offer helpful resources.

• UBC Student Recovery Community
  The UBC Student Recovery Community (SRC) is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for students who are in recovery, or curious to learn about their relationship with alcohol, drugs, and/or addictive behaviours.
• AMS Peer Support
  Get free, confidential one-on-one peer support, naloxone training for individuals and groups, fentanyl test strips, peer support group sessions, and workshops on mental health and harm reduction.