The service’s School Resource Officers are encountering increases in the use of marijuana oil by some students, who are using E-cigarettes to inhale the potent marijuana-based derivative. The E-cigarettes do not produce any discernible marijuana odour. Five incidents have been reported or discovered by School Resource Officers over the last two weeks; and many more where electronic cigarettes are being found on students.
“These devices only produce vapour, as opposed to smell of marijuana smoke, some youth are now recognizing this is as surreptitious way to use marijuana,” explained Sgt. Kelly Rosnau, of the EPS School Resource Officer Unit.
“The user, however, is inserting marijuana oil in the E-Cigarette cartridge, a substance that can often have THC contents higher than 90 per cent as compared to the typical marijuana cigarette which is around 10-20 per cent THC levels.”
An electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device which simulates tobacco smoking by producing a vapor that resembles smoke. It generally uses a heating element known as an atomizer, which vaporizes a liquid solution. Some solutions contain a mixture of nicotine and flavorings, while others release a flavored vapor without nicotine.
The secondary concern is safety. The production of this oil is not very safe as large amounts of butane are used and a risk of explosions can be a real hazard.
“Supporting student health and safety is always our first priority,” said Pat Lema, Assistant Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic School District Operations. “The Edmonton Police Service has shared their concerns with us about an increased use of electronic cigarettes and we have amended our ‘Smoke Free Environment’ District policy and regulation to include a ban of e-cigarettes on all District property,” Lema went on to say.
To ensure the health and safety of students and staff, the Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools has asked principals to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes by students or staff on school property. This is in keeping with their policy on conduct and behavior.
“Edmonton Public Schools fully supports the Edmonton Police Service in making the community aware of any dangerous emerging trend,” says Superintendent Darrel Robertson. “As a District, we will do what we can to not only enforce the restriction of the e-cigarette use around our schools, but to making sure our students, staff and parents are educated of its dangers.”
Note: Please see the attached Fact Sheet for media distribution.
Lori Nagy
Manager of Media and Community Relations Services
Edmonton Catholic Schools
Contact: 780-441-6189
Jane Sterling
Communications Supervisor
780-429-8290