University Guidelines on Marijuana Use

Note: The following guidelines take effect as of May 16, 2022 and will be added to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, currently being revised and scheduled for publication by the Fall 2022 semester. 

On February 22, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed adult-use cannabis reform bills into law, legalizing and regulating cannabis use and possession for adults 21 years and older (A21 – “The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act”) and decriminalizing marijuana and hashish possession (A1897). The Governor also signed S3454, clarifying marijuana and cannabis use and possession penalties for individuals younger than 21 years old (Office of the Governor, 2021).

Despite this legislation, NJCU students and employees should understand that possessing, using, or selling marijuana in any form is strictly prohibited on campus and during University activities. These guidelines also follow the NJCU Smoke, Tobacco, and Vape-Free Campus Policy. Thus, no matter what New Jersey law may state, NJCU is a smoke-free campus and prohibits smoking of any kind. 

Use and Possession of Marijuana is Prohibited on Campus

At the federal level, the Controlled Substances Act criminalizes the growing and use of marijuana. As a controlled substance, use and possession of marijuana are also prohibited by the NJCU Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and the Student Code of Conduct and are not permitted on campus. In addition to being a federal offense under the act, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace and on campus is restricted by federal laws, such as the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Those federal laws require the University to prohibit the use of marijuana on campus.

NJCU Students

Using or possessing marijuana in any form is prohibited by the NJCU Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and the Student Code of Conduct, and students who use, distribute, and possess marijuana are subject to discipline. Marijuana use or possession is prohibited across the entire campus, including all open areas and buildings and including the residence halls and West Campus Village.  NJCU is not required to allow – and is subject to affirmative obligations to prohibit — the medical or recreational use of marijuana in the residence halls or on campus, because marijuana is illegal under federal law. NJCU Public Safety will continue to enforce the campus-wide prohibition of marijuana. 

Know the Laws

Be informed about marijuana laws and NJCU’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

Governor Murphy recently signed bills to legalize and regulate marijuana use for those 21 and older, decriminalize possession of limited amounts of marijuana and clarify marijuana and cannabis use and possession penalties for those younger than 21. Regardless, NJCU will not allow the use or possession of medical or recreational marijuana on campus. 

Being under the influence of marijuana is a violation of this policy and may result in student conduct sanctions and processes. It is illegal for anyone (regardless of age) to possess or use marijuana on campus in any form, even with a prescription.

Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or permitting another person who is under the influence of an intoxicating narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug to operate a motor vehicle can lead to a DUI arrest.

NJCU is appreciative of NJIT for allowing the use of their language in the above guidelines. 

Substance Misuse and Abuse

The chief sign of substance misuse is excessive use of psychoactive drugs (including alcohol), pain medications, or illegal drugs. If left untreated, substance misuse ultimately can lead to substance abuse and to emotional, social, and/or physical harm.

Signs of substance abuse

  • Emotional and social/behavioral signs:
    • Aggression
    • Mood swings
    • Withdrawal from usual activities or hobbies
    • Sudden changes in friendships
    • Sudden financial problems
  • Physical signs:
    • Slow(er) or unsteady coordination
    • Tooth decay
    • Excessive talking and hyperactivity
    • Tremors or shaking hands, feet, or head
    • Weight fluctuations

On- and Off-Campus Resources

On-Campus:

Counseling Center; GSUB Room 308; 201-200-3165; counselingcenter@njcu.edu

Off-Campus:

  • American College Health Association (ACHA): Their mission is to advance the health of college students and campus communities through advocacy, education, and research.
  • Addictions Hotline of New Jersey: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-238-2333. Available 24/7
  • Families Anonymous: A 12 step program for the family and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues. 
  • Grounded: Quit Weed Smoking App: A quit smoking tracker to quit cannabis
  • Marijuana Anonymous - MA World Services 1-800-766-6779
  • Marijuana Anonymous App - This is the official 12 Step recovery app of Marijuana Anonymous. Anyone with a desire to stop using marijuana will benefit from the useful tools and resources included.
  • National Health Information Center: Supports public health education and promotion by raising awareness about National Health Observances. NHIC helps connect health professionals and consumers to organizations that best answer their questions by providing up-to-date contact information for the most reliable resources.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse: They are the leading federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and its consequences. Their mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Visit the online treatment locator or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.