UWindsor's pot smoking, trafficking below provincial average
By Nick Olynyk
News Reporter
March 5, 2008
 A survey released by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit shows that Windsor students smoke less cannabis than other universities in the province.
On average, 22 per cent of Windsor students smoke up at least once per month, compared to 25 per cent of students at other Ontario universities. The results are further evidence of a trend that drug use on campus is declining.
University health services director Judy Wilson says although incidents of drug use are still happening, levels are lower and less frequent than in years past. Wilson adds that since pot use among students is so low, there is currently no need for programs at the school.
In 2007, Campus Community police made only three arrests for cannabis possession. Campus Community Police operations manager Bernie Campbell says that arrests do not occur as frequently as in years past.
“We are seeing relatively small numbers, insignificant occurrences of drug use. That is not to say there is not drug use on campus, but not what I would consider a significant amount.”
Campus police have the authority to arrest individuals caught using or trafficking drugs and will detain them until Windsor Police Services can take over.
Campbell says that drug arrests have occurred everywhere from behind the St. Denis Centre to the front of the residences.
“For the kids that are in residence, the residence policy is pretty clear,” said Campbell. “They will not tolerate drug use. It is against the law, and at the end of the day for what people are coming to this institution for it isn’t worth jeopardizing what you want to achieve.”
Jason Codling, manager of The Basement, says that the student-run pub has improved its surveillance and has not had any issues with drugs (including roofies) this year. Codling attributes this “definite, dramatic drop” in trafficking to better trained staff--nearly all of whom are students, and vigilance around the bar.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way things are going from a safety standpoint,” he said.
Codling says in past years most traffickers are from off-campus and most likely are using the university as an area to sell to students.
“I would think that possibly the distributors are off-campus...looking to use the university as a market, but the people partaking-obviously-I’m sure are university students.”
Codling says that patrons should “enjoy themselves,” but he also says they should do it in a legal manner.
Wilson warns that marijuana is not a healthy alternative to cigarettes, saying marijuana tokers hold smoke in their lungs longer than cigarette smokers. This is done to achieve a greater high and gain a better absorption of THC by the user.
Wilson says the marijuana smoke, containing more tar than manufactured tobacco, can wreak havoc not only in their lungs, but also in their studies. It has been repeatedly proven, according to her, that most joint rollers are prone to lower grades, adding that it is one of the first signs of chronic drug use and alcohol abuse.
Students who believe they have a drug problem or would like to seek counseling can go to Health services in the CAW Centre or contact the student counseling centre on campus.
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