Expelled B.C. Student Sues Montessori Principal Over Cannabis Gummy Scandal

A lawsuit has been filed against the principal of Westmont Montessori School in Greater Victoria and its governing body, the Western Communities Montessori Society, by a former student who was expelled after a 2021 incident involving cannabis gummies.

The student, who was 12 at the time, alleges in court documents that Principal Magnus Hanton defamed him by calling him a “drug trafficker” and naming him in mass emails to parents about the incident.

The expelled student and his family are seeking damages for loss of reputation, breach of privacy, and mental suffering.

The Incident:

In 2021, during a class trip to Vancouver Island, the student and two classmates ate what they believed to be THC-infused cannabis gummies. Other students reported feeling uncomfortable, prompting staff to send the three students home early.

The expelled student’s lawsuit claims subsequent testing showed the gummies contained CBD, not THC, and that he displayed no psychoactive behavior.

Hanton, however, denies that the gummies were confirmed to be CBD and argues that the student’s expulsion was due to a history of prior misconduct.

Defamation Allegations:

According to the lawsuit, Hanton allegedly called the student a “drug trafficker” during a meeting with the boy, his father, and teachers. The principal is also accused of sending emails to parents that linked the student to the gummy incident and named him publicly while discussing his expulsion.

One email reportedly warned parents about the dangers of sharing drugs amid the opioid crisis, stating the incident ranged from “uncomfortable to terrifying” for some students.

Hanton denies using defamatory language and maintains that the emails did not explicitly link the expulsion to the gummy incident.

Claims of Unequal Treatment:

The expelled student alleges he was treated unfairly, as the other two students involved in the gummy incident were allowed to return to school after a “restorative process.”

The lawsuit also claims parental influence played a role, alleging that parents who donate to the school pressured Hanton to expel him. A judge has ordered the school to disclose its donation records, despite the Montessori society arguing that donations were irrelevant to the case.

Principal’s Defense:

Hanton and the Montessori society argue that the expulsion was justified due to the student’s prior warnings about inappropriate behavior. They also claim they had an ethical obligation to inform parents about the incident, particularly in the context of broader concerns about drug use among students.

What’s Next:

The case is set to go to trial in November, where the court will determine whether the principal’s actions were defamatory and if the school acted appropriately in handling the incident.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case raises questions about the balance between school discipline, privacy, and the rights of students in private educational institutions.