Where There’s Smoke, There’s an Infraction at OC

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Michigan voters, 57 percent of them, may have given the go-ahead to legalize recreational marijuana in the Nov. 6 election, but Olivet College still says no to marijuana use on campus.

In a Nov. 15 email to campus, Jason Meadows, interim dean of Student Life wrote, “...this law will not change policies prohibiting the use or possession of marijuana on any property owned or managed by Olivet College nor will it change policies prohibiting use of marijuana by Olivet College’s faculty, staff or students on any Olivet College property or during off-campus Olivet College business trips or events.”

While Proposal 1 gives folks 21 and older rules to follow in the use, growing and possession of pot, Meadows reminded readers of his email that marijuana is illegal under federal law, which also impacts Olivet College’s obligations in terms of funding and other education regulations.

Olivet will continue to remain in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (34 CFP. Part 85, subpart F),” Meadows wrote.

According to the 2018-2019 Student Handbook, on page 105, “The unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol on the college campus, at college sponsored activities or in society houses is strictly prohibited. Olivet College is a drug-free campus and does not tolerate the use, possession, sale or exchange of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. If a student is found where drug use or paraphernalia exists, he/she will be disciplined under the drug use policy.”

Violations of the rules range from nes to suspension.

Michigan is now one of 10 states nationwide, as well as the District of Columbia, which allows recreational marijuana use. Thirty states, including Michigan, recognize the use of marijuana for medical use.

According to Amber Hybels of WJRT news, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan have issued similar statements and are not allowing marijuana on campus. Saginaw Valley State University is also a no marijuana zone, according to Hybels, who quoted SVSU President Donald Bachand’s statement, “ As a public institution that applies for and receives federal funding, we must abide by federal laws....This means that it is still illegal to possess and use marijuana on our campus.”