The passage of Proposal 18-1, legalizing non-public recreational marijuana use by those 21 and over, may have some members of our university community wondering if it’s legal to use marijuana recreationally on campus.
The new state law will not change University of Michigan policy or federal law, both of which prohibit the possession and use of marijuana on university premises or during off-campus university business or events.
As a recipient of federal funds, U-M is explicitly required by federal law to maintain drug-free campuses and workplaces. The possession, use, and distribution of marijuana is still illegal and subject to prosecution under federal law.
Therefore, the use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana in any form and for any purpose by university faculty, staff, students, or visitors on U-M property or during off-campus U-M business continues to violate the U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and SPG 601.29. Violating the university’s policies may be grounds for discipline or other corrective action.
U-M is committed to providing a safe, healthy community for students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. The Alcohol and Other Drug Policy is reviewed biennially as part of the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and is distributed biennially to all employees and students.
If you are concerned about your current use of marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs, Wolverine Wellness and the University Health Service offers the following resources:
- Individual Marijuana Education Program (IMEP) is a free and confidential program for U-M students who want to explore their marijuana use.
- Marijuana e-CHECKUP TO GO (e-TOKE) is a free, confidential, online screening tool for students, faculty or staff that lets you see how your marijuana use, family risk, and campus norms affect your life and future.
- U-M Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a variety of substance use-related resources and choices such as: Assessment of Substance Abuse Patterns (ASAP) sessions, individual and group counseling, referral services, and consultation.
For U-M faculty and staff, the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience offer counseling services to help address issues that may be affecting your wellbeing.
More information, please review our FAQ or other resources listed below: