Medical Cannabis Banned From College Campuses

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]O[/dropcap]fficials with the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) announced that despite the passing of State Question 788, which set up one of the United States’ potentially most lenient medical cannabis programs, medical cannabis won’t be allowed on campus.

Despite being the 30th state to legalize cannabis for medical use, it remains illegal at the federal level. Officials with both universities have said in a statement since they receive federal funds, there are legally bound to comply with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which mandates the implementation of drug prevention programs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs on campus, and the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act. The universities must also comply with the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which criminalizes the growth and use of cannabis.

“Despite the recent passage of State Question 788, the DFSCA requires OSU and OU to adopt and adhere to policies prohibiting the unlawful use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, including marijuana,” the statement reads. “Moving forward, OU and OSU will adhere to federal law prohibiting the use, possession, distribution or cultivation of marijuana for any reason at their campuses across the state.”

Several major state universities in other states with legal cannabis, either for medical or recreational use, also prohibit cannabis for the same reasons. Campuses in Washington, Colorado and California have all advised students that since cannabis is still outlawed federally, the student code of conduct prohibits its consumption and possession. Other universities, such as Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, are embracing legalization and are establishing research programs to study medical cannabis.

Chip Paul is the chairman of Oklahomans for Health, the organization that wrote the language for State Question 788. He said that in the wake of medical legalization, Oklahoma and the federal government need to look at cannabis with a different perspective.

“In the minds of 57 percent of Oklahomans, this is a medicine,” Paul said. “We wouldn’t outlaw someone’s Albuterol nebulizer. We wouldn’t outlaw someone’s Benadryl.”