With recreational marijuana sales now underway in Ohio, Â鶹´«Ã½ officials are reminding the campus community that marijuana use remains prohibited on all university properties.
Ohio voters approved Issue 2 on Nov. 7, 2023, legalizing the possession and use of limited amounts of marijuana in non-public places for individuals 21 and older. Recreational sales began on Tuesday, Aug. 6. However, Kent State's policies regarding marijuana use have not changed in response to this new legislation.
The use of recreational or medicinal marijuana in any form, including edibles and extracts, continues to be prohibited by university policy and federal law. This ban applies to everyone on Kent State property, including faculty, staff, students and visitors.
Â鶹´«Ã½ does not allow marijuana possession on campus under any circumstance, regardless of medicinal status. The university's Drug-Free Workplace policy prohibits anyone from using, possessing or distributing marijuana on Kent State property or at any Kent State events, including off-campus travel and events.
Sgt. Tricia Knoles of the Kent State Police Department emphasized the department's role in enforcing these policies.
"One of our jobs is to enforce university policies," Knoles stated. "If we get called for an odor of marijuana and find a student in possession, we will refer the student to the Office of Student Conduct."
The university must comply with federal laws, which still classify marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. Additionally, Kent State is obligated to follow the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires prevention of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse by students and employees on university property or at university events.
Students, faculty and staff who violate these policies are subject to disciplinary proceedings.
With recreational marijuana now legally available for purchase in Ohio, the university continues to provide education and resources on substance use and abuse through various campus programs and support services.
University officials encourage all members of the Kent State community and visitors to familiarize themselves with the university's policies regarding drug use on campus.
Learn More about what the passage of Issue 2 means for Kent State students, faculty and staff.