Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Amherst - While Thursday marks the first day of Massachusetts marijuana legalization, students on college campuses that accept any kind federal money still cannot grow or legally smoke pot on campus.
That's because under federal law, growing or using marijuana even for medical purposes is still illegal.
The University of Massachusetts reminded students in an email that went out Thursday that despite marijuana now being legal in the Bay State, it's not allowed on campus.
"Although Massachusetts voters recently approved a ballot measure permitting the possession and recreational use of marijuana, federal laws, including the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, require recipients of federal funds to prohibit the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions, regardless of state law," the email, signed by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Enku Gelaye, states.
"The use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana is therefore not allowed in any university housing or on any other university property," the email continues. "University staff will continue to enforce current policies regarding controlled substances, and any student who violates university policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus may be subject to disciplinary action."
Gelaye outlined key policy points regarding marijuana:
Across town at Hampshire College, spokesman John Courtmanche in an email wrote that the college receives federal funding through financial aid and research.
"As a condition of accepting this money, Hampshire is required to certify that it complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act," Courtmanche wrote. "Therefore, marijuana is prohibited at Hampshire College even though it has been legalized in Massachusetts."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Does Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Mean It's OK On College Campuses?
Author: Diane Lederman
Contact: 413-731-1036
Photo Credit: Shaina Mishkin
Website: MassLive
That's because under federal law, growing or using marijuana even for medical purposes is still illegal.
The University of Massachusetts reminded students in an email that went out Thursday that despite marijuana now being legal in the Bay State, it's not allowed on campus.
"Although Massachusetts voters recently approved a ballot measure permitting the possession and recreational use of marijuana, federal laws, including the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, require recipients of federal funds to prohibit the use, possession and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions, regardless of state law," the email, signed by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Enku Gelaye, states.
"The use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana is therefore not allowed in any university housing or on any other university property," the email continues. "University staff will continue to enforce current policies regarding controlled substances, and any student who violates university policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus may be subject to disciplinary action."
Gelaye outlined key policy points regarding marijuana:
- "The use, possession, or growing of marijuana is not allowed on the UMass Amherst campus, on any other university property, or at university sponsored off campus events.
- "Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is not allowed on the UMass Amherst campus, on any other university property, or at university sponsored off campus events.
- "Using marijuana at UMass Amherst is a sanctionable violation of the Code of Conduct. UMass Amherst Police Department, Residential Life staff, and other university officials will continue to enforce the campus-wide prohibition of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia."
Across town at Hampshire College, spokesman John Courtmanche in an email wrote that the college receives federal funding through financial aid and research.
"As a condition of accepting this money, Hampshire is required to certify that it complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act," Courtmanche wrote. "Therefore, marijuana is prohibited at Hampshire College even though it has been legalized in Massachusetts."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Does Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Mean It's OK On College Campuses?
Author: Diane Lederman
Contact: 413-731-1036
Photo Credit: Shaina Mishkin
Website: MassLive
