TAP No. 58: Medical Marijuana 

Scope

This policy applies to all University students, faculty, and staff.

Purpose

Pennsylvania law allows for the controlled use of medical marijuana in the Commonwealth. The University, however, is subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug according to the Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, the purpose of this Policy is to summarize the University's response to the permissible use of medical marijuana in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the context of the University's other legal obligations.

I. Policy

  1. The use, possession, cultivation, or sale of marijuana violates federal policy. This prohibits the University from allowing any form of marijuana use on campus. Additionally, federal grants are subject to University compliance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the federal Drug Free Workplace Act.
  2. Although students, faculty, and staff who legally obtain a medical marijuana "registration card" are allowed to possess and consume certain quantities of marijuana in the Commonwealth, doing so is not permitted on Duquesne University property or at University-sponsored programs and events (either on or off campus). Students should be aware that a charge or conviction related to a student's unlawful use of a controlled substance may impact that student's continuing eligibility for federal financial aid.
  3. Students in Pre-Professional Programs: Students are reminded that Nursing, Health Science, Pharmacy, and certain other pre-professional programs maintain separate or additional requirements relating to the use of controlled substances and therefore, students in pre-professional programs who are legal medical marijuana users under Pennsylvania law must consult with their respective chairs for additional guidance and requirements.
  4. Compliance with Related TAPs: Students, faculty, and staff are expected and required to report for classes and work on time and in an appropriate physical condition, free from the influence of drugs and alcohol, and are therefore expected to comply with the University's TAP No. 32, Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Working and Learning Environment. Accordingly, an employee's presence at work in an impaired state, under the influence of medical marijuana, is a violation of TAP No. 32 and this TAP.

II. Related Information

TAP No. 32, Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Working and Learning Environment

III. Violations

Violations of this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Employees are subject to formal disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Students are subject to the non-exhaustive list of disciplinary sanctions in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct for violations of the Code.

IV. History

Adopted: July 2019.

V. Ownership of Policy

The Office of DU Cares and Office of Human Resources