In light of the recent implementation of Oregon’s legal recreational marijuana measure, Portland State’s Dean of Student Life Michelle Toppe and Associate Vice President of Human Resources Shana Sechrist released a statement July 1 reminding students, faculty and campus visitors that marijuana legalization does not change PSU’s campus restrictions.
“[E]ssentially nothing will change,” Toppe and Sechrist wrote in their emailed statement. “The use and possession of marijuana will continue to be prohibited on campus, at University-sponsored events, in University housing and in the University workplace.”
Marijuana in all forms—including edibles, extracts and concentrates—are prohibited by PSU.
PSU’s marijuana prohibition applies to medical marijuana as well. Students or employees who are medical marijuana cardholders do not and will not receive any special exceptions to marijuana policies.
Toppe and Sechrist’s statement explained that students who violate policies regarding the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession and use of marijuana on campus or at university-sponsored events will incur consequences under the Student Code of Conduct and the University Housing Code of Conduct.
PSU employees will be subject to continued employment policies prohibiting marijuana use. Visitors to PSU who violate university drug policies will be subject to exclusion from campus and university events.
Recreational marijuana use and production continues to be unlawful on a federal level, despite state government approval. According to the statement, PSU’s withstanding prohibition of marijuana is an effort to protect financial aid and federal funding.
“As a recipient of federal funds, PSU is subject to federal laws that require that PSU maintain and enforce policies prohibiting the use of drugs that are illegal under federal law,” the statement continued.
Toppe and Sechrist cited the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act as policies that stand as determinants of PSU’s marijuana polices.
“Failure to comply with federal laws and regulations regarding marijuana would jeopardize PSU’s continued receipt of federal funds, including students’ eligibility to receive certain types of federal financial aid,” they said.
Toppe encouraged students seeking more information to contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life, and employees to contact the Human Resources office.
Last week, PSU’s Office of University Communications released responses to frequently asked questions regarding marijuana on campus. This includes links to full university policies. The FAQ can be found at https://www.pdx.edu/admissions/news/FAQ-on-marijuana-on-campus.