University Guidelines on Marijuana Use

University Guidelines on Marijuana Use

 

Student Policies

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, NJIT students and employees should understand that possessing, using, or selling marijuana in any form is strictly prohibited on campus and during University activities.  

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 Conduct of Code and is 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.

NJIT Students

Using or possessing marijuana in any form is prohibited by the NJIT Conduct of Code, 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, such as the residence halls and the Greek Village.  NJIT 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. NJIT Public Safety will continue to enforce the campus-wide prohibition of marijuana. 

Know the Laws

  • Be informed about marijuana laws and NJIT’s Code of Student 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, NJIT will not allow the use or possession of medical or recreational marijuana on campus. 

  • Being under the influence of marijuana is a violation of NJIT’s Drug 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.

Resources

For every person coping with, experiencing or dealing with an addiction- whether it is dependency on drugs, alcohol, food, compulsive spending, gambling, sex or an Internet addiction- at least 6 other people in their lives can be directly affected. Without treatment intervention, substance, and behavioral addictions can persist even with the knowledge of negative health, academic, and social consequences. 

If you'd like to talk to someone, resources are available on campus. The addiction specialist at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) can assist you in sorting out any questions or concerns that you may have about your own addictive behaviors or someone else's. Confidential services include assessment, individual counseling, education, and referral to off-campus services when needed. Students of all levels of use and non-use are welcome.

For additional information please visit The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at NJIT online or call (973) 596-3414.   

Additional Resources

  • Marijuana e-CHECKUP TO GO: A web based interactive survey that allows university and college age students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive feedback about their use of marijuana.
  • Addictions Hotline of New Jersey: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-238-2333 which provides trained clinically supervised telephone specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to educate, assist, interview and/or refer individuals and families battling addictions.  Calls are free and information shared is confidential.
  • Marijuana Anonymous: A twelve step-based recovery program for people with a common desire to stop marijuana use and recover from marijuana addiction.  There are no dues or fees for membership.  http://marijuana-anonymous.org, MA World Services 1-800-766-6779
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:
    1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.