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