For this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include any product made of derived from tobacco or which contains nicotine, including lighted or unlighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bidis, clove cigarettes, and any other smoking product; smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as dip, chew, snuff or snus, in any form, as well as any electronic smoking devices (regardless of nicotine content level), such as cigalikes, mids, mods and box mods.
A policy that includes all forms of tobacco leads to better health outcomes, is more equitable, and is easier to enforce. There is no safe form of tobacco, and our policy is based out of respect for the health of others and our campus environment. All forms of tobacco contain carcinogens that can led to negative health outcomes for both the user of the tobacco product and those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
Yes, the policy prohibits the use of all forms of tobacco, including the use of electronic delivery devices, regardless of nicotine content. Electronic cigarettes emit nicotine or vapors containing detectable carcinogens and toxic chemicals. Some of the known vapors in electronic cigarettes are considered to pose health risks; the extent of the risk is unknown at this time. The American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and American Lung Association all recommend that tobacco-free laws and policies prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes.
No. The use of tobacco will be prohibited on all campus grounds.
All events occurring on college property are covered by the policy. Visitors are welcome on campus, but are expected to adhere to this policy.
Yes, the policy applies to all areas on the college campus, including residence halls.
No. The policy governs use of legal tobacco products, not possession of tobacco products on college property. Possessing tobacco products is not a violation of the policy.
Yes, all parking lots and areas that are on campus property are covered by the tobacco-free policy.
This policy applies to all students, employees, visitors, vendors and members of campus who are on the campus property and facilities owned or operated by SUNY Potsdam.
Source: The Keep It Sacred project by the National Native Network
Traditional tobacco is tobacco and/or plant mixtures grown or harvested and used by Native Americans and First Nations for ceremonial or medicinal purposes. Traditional tobacco is distinct from commercial tobacco. While commercial tobacco use has led to a disproportionate number of tobacco-related deaths among Native Americans and First Nations, traditional tobacco is not associated with addiction and adverse health impacts. Recognizing commercial tobacco use as a problem that impacts the entire community, the National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution in 2016 to endorse policies that protect tribal community members from commercial tobacco use and exposure. If a student or community group would like to host a campus event utilizing traditional tobacco for sacred use, please contact the Office of Native American Affairs at (315) 267-2211.
For anyone:
The New York State Smokers’ Quit-Line (NYSSQL) is a service of the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program, and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y. It is a free and confidential program providing evidence-based services to New York State residents who want to stop smoking or using other forms of tobacco. Call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for assistance.
Many healthcare plans, including Medicaid, cover nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as the nicotine patch, gum, inhaler and spray. Non-nicotine medications are also covered by Medicaid, such as Chantix (Varenicline) and Zyban (Bupropion). Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about which medication and dosage are right for you.
For employees:
Through the Empire Plan prescription drug program, you have access to prescription drugs, whether covered in full or subject to the appropriate copayment, which can help you to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about which prescription drug(s) would be appropriate for you. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act covers preventive services, including an annual lung cancer screening and tobacco use counseling for smokers. Call the Empire Plan for more information, at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447).
More resources are also available here: https://www.potsdam.edu/sites/default/files/TobaccoQuitResources.pdf.
For students:
Students can access cessation treatment, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, at Student Health Services. For information, call (315) 267-2377 or schedule an appointment in BearPAWS.