Higher Ed
College campuses across Colorado have once again began filling up with
new students for the 2014-2015 academic year. While recreational cannabis is
now legal in Colorado, this hasn’t had an e
College campuses across Colorado have once again began filling up with new students for the 2014-2015 academic year. While recreational cannabis is now legal in Colorado, this hasn’t had an effect on most college campuses policies. Accredited colleges in the United States still have to follow federal guidelines. Cannabis is still listed as a Schedule I Controlled Substance by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. As such, major colleges, even in Colorado, punish cannabis use by students and on campuses.
These are some of the policies in place for major college campuses in Colorado:
University of Denver (DU)
The largest private school in the state, DU is a smoke free campus and this includes cannabis. Cannabis use is rolled in with other federally illegal drugs and specifically listed in the Conduct Policy, “The manufacture or distribution of any drug is also prohibited, including Cannabis plants. Marijuana, including Medical Marijuana, is prohibited on campus regardless of age.”
Metro State University
Located in the heart of downtown Denver on the Auraria campus, Metro State has an all-encompassing set of drug restrictions that includes all federally illegal drugs. All colleges on the Auraria campus have similar rules banning cannabis on campus.
University of Colorado (CU)
CU is one of the more cannabis friendly schools in the state. They are well known for their 4/20 protest, which the administration has been trying to shut down for years. Despite the cannabis friendly attitude on campus, it is still entirely against school policies for students to smoke on campus. Their policies state that cannabis is not allowed anywhere on campus. Possession of cannabis, paraphernalia and being high are all violations of the student conduct policy that carry sanctions.
Colorado State University (CSU)
Once again, CSU in Fort Collins is no exception to the rule. The Student Conduct Code forbids possession, manufacturing or distribution of, and consumption of any federally illegal drug. Cannabis is the first item listed on their list of banned narcotics.
University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley’s policy prohibits possession, manufacturing, providing, distribution or intoxication from cannabis use. Students who come on campus noticeable intoxicated can face fines or other penalties.
Colorado College (CC)
Colorado College in Colorado Springs has a direct policy related to cannabis. This private school believes that cannabis use conflicts with the schools mission and, therefore, they have chosen to ban it despite the passing of Amendment 64. The school forbids students using cannabis on or off campus.
CHECK YO SELF B4 YO WRECK YOSELF
Most other accredited college and university campuses in Colorado have similar rules to those listed above. It is best for every student to look up the specific rules in relation to their own college campus. Beyond the individual college and university policies, any student convicted with a cannabis related crime while enrolled becomes ineligible for federal student aid. It is, therefore, very important for students on federal aid, even those with medical licenses, to remember that cannabis use can jeopardize your standing with the Federal Government for student loan access. Cannabis using college students would be best served to follow local laws, not smoke on campus and not attend classes while under the influence.
