OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Oregon State University policy prohibits students, employees and members of the general public from possessing, using or distributing marijuana in any form on any of the University’s campuses or facilities and during any University activities.
While Oregon law as of July 1, 2015, may allow certain marijuana-related activities, such as limited medical marijuana use and other recreational use and possession, using and possessing marijuana in any form remains a crime under federal law.
Oregon State University’s policies related to the use and possession of recreational marijuana has not changed now that the state of Oregon’s recreational marijuana law has taken effect.
As a recipient of considerable federal funding, such as financial aid and federal grants and contracts for research, the university is required to continue to prohibit the use and possession and distribution of all federally controlled substances – including marijuana. Consequently, such activity will remain prohibited by university policy and the OSU Student Conduct Code.
At the federal level, the Controlled Substances Act states that the growing and use of marijuana is a crime and federal enforcement agencies can prosecute users and growers of marijuana, regardless of state law. In addition to being a federal offense, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace and on campus is restricted by additional federal laws, such as the federal Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act. It is those federal laws that require OSU to prohibit the use of marijuana on campus.
For the convenience and understanding of the University community, OSU’s most prominent marijuana-related policies are summarized below.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Oregon State University’s Student Conduct Code will continue to prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, and such activity may result in disciplinary action.
HUMAN RESOURCES
As an employer, Oregon State University will continue to abide by the federal Drug Free Workplace Act, which continues to prohibit the possession, use, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana in the workplace. Any previously applicable University drug testing policies remain unchanged, but no new University policies will be implemented as a result of Measure 91.
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Oregon State University faculty will not instruct students during class or through class materials about how to grow, manufacture, distribute or dispense marijuana.
RESEARCH
Oregon State University policy prohibits faculty from conducting research that involves the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana unless such research is in compliance with already established guidelines set forth by federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Drug Administration and National Institute of Drug Abuse. At this time, OSU policy allows faculty to perform research on industrial hemp in compliance with established federal guidelines. Additional guidance on industrial hemp can be found at: https://research.oregonstate.edu/cannabis-research
HOUSING AND DINING
Oregon State University prohibits the possession, use or distribution of marijuana in residence and dining halls. The University also prohibits the possession of marijuana-related paraphernalia. Marijuana possessed by students on campus will be confiscated and destroyed.
STUDENT JOB POSTINGS
Oregon State University will not advertise, promote, or otherwise coordinate student internships, research or job opportunities with companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution or possession of marijuana.
The 2018 Farm Bill does not provide for the legalization of industrialized hemp production outside of research purposes until a federal regulatory framework is in place, and this is not expected to happen for at least a year. The university currently does not allow the posting of jobs associated with illegal activity. Employers will be allowed to post jobs on OSU sites with the confirmation that they are not engaged in illegal activity and fully compliant with state and federal regulations.
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Oregon State will not provide University academic credit for student internships with companies where the students are involved in the manufacturing, distribution, or possession of marijuana.
Undergraduate students may appeal an internship denial to the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies for re-consideration. Graduate students may appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School.
Students are permitted to participate in OSU employment and/or internship opportunities associated with growing and cultivating industrial hemp for academic research purposes, with the following stipulations:
This policy would only provide for employment and academic credit for OSU-affiliated activity, and not be extended to non-OSU affiliated entities covered by the Farm Bill.
OSU EXTENSION PROGRAMS
Oregon State University will hold OSU Extension Service and 4-H volunteers accountable to federal laws and University policies while performing duties on behalf of the university. OSU Extension Services will not provide instruction regarding how to grow, manufacture, distribute or dispense marijuana. Guidance on extension policy for providing instruction on industrial hemp can be found at: https://research.oregonstate.edu/cannabis-research
Adopted: June 30, 2015
Amended: Housekeeping, February 28, 2019