by Alana Laanui |
The number of college students using marijuana on a daily basis has nearly doubled in just eight years. The University of Michigan Monitoring the Future Study found that six percent of college students in the U.S. smoke on a daily basis. Although there are no recent statistics about overall marijuana use at UP, it seems to be growing in popularity. Campus disciplinary referrals for drug violations went from 15 in 2011 to 39 referrals in 2013 — more than doubling in just two years.
This trend will become even more apparent on Oct. 1, when those who are 21 and older will be able to purchase recreational marijuana at local dispensaries in the state of Oregon. The recreational use of marijuana in Oregon has been legal since July 1. The recent change poses a new challenge for the UP administration: How to deal with marijuana use among students living in a state where it is legal, but who attend a federally funded university.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration still prohibits the distribution and sale of marijuana, and classifies it as a Schedule I Drug, the category of drugs that also includes heroin and LSD. However, in recent years, voters in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. This disagreement between federal and state law has created a lot of confusion across the nation, especially for students who are attending federally-funded universities in states where marijuana is legal, including the University of Portland.
Director of Public Safety Gerald Gregg recognizes the confusion students may have and looks to explain the position of the University.
“Because the University receives federal funds, in the form of financial aid for students, if you don’t comply with federal law, the federal government could pull the funding,” Gregg said.
Beyond the federal law, the University administration also strongly believes that marijuana poses a threat to the community on campus. So despite state law, the use of marijuana is still prohibited for all students no matter where they live or their age. Life on The Bluff, the student conduct handbook that all students enrolled at the University must agree to, states: “The University of Portland does not believe that the use of marijuana or other drugs promotes the success of our community members.”
UP maintains a clear policy against the use of marijuana: All students are held to Life on the Bluff standards, regardless of where they are living, how old they are or where they are smoking. However, cases are treated on an individual basis. Alex Hermanny, associate director for community standards, handles the student conduct process for those who have been caught with possession of marijuana. Hermanny aims to dispel any rumors or horror stories that students may hear about student conduct hearings.
“Each case is different,” Hermanny said. “Students who are found with possession of marijuana are required to go to a suspension-level hearing, but that doesn’t mean they will automatically be suspended or expelled.”
Drug abuse is still treated very seriously; however, many students believe that the University’s stance is too harsh when it comes to marijuana. Sammy van den Berg, Campus Program Board director, understands the University’s policy and believes students are capable of making responsible decisions.
“I don’t really think weed can be all that destructive,” van den Berg said. “I personally don’t think the University should be so strict about it, but that’s not my decision to make.”
Many students on campus still choose to smoke despite the University’s policy. Marijuana is not always used just to get high. Some students use it primarily for social reasons.
“I think it’s more of the social aspect that is really fun,” an anonymous student said. “It’s more of the bonding than the actual high at this point for me.”
Another student who was caught with possession of marijuana last year echoed the social aspect of marijuana, but now realizes that it isn’t needed to have a good time with friends.
“I used to smoke in social settings, but I don’t really smoke anymore,” the student said. “I think this probation opened my eyes. I don’t need marijuana in my life anymore.”
The student was put on probation for one year as a result of their hearing.
At the time, marijuana was still illegal in the state of Oregon. This time next week, students who are over the age of 21 will have access to recreational marijuana from local dispensaries. Nonetheless, all UP students will be expected to abstain or face consequences.
Alana Laanui is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at laanui18@up.edu or on Twitter @AlanaLaanui.
Editors Note: The Beacon has a policy to generally avoid the use of anonymous sources because we believe that our readers are entitled to know the identities of sources of information so they can evaluate for themselves their credibility. We may make exceptions when we believe the public benefit of publishing a story that could best be told only with an anonymous source or sources outweighs the value of the policy.
From Life on the Bluff:
“Regardless of its status in the State of Oregon, or whether or not an individual possesses a prescription for medical use, marijuana is banned from our community. The University of Portland continues to prohibit all possession of marijuana and use of marijuana by students, both on and off campus.”
“Our drug policy clearly states that the use of illegal substances and the misuse of legal substances are strictly prohibited. Additionally, marijuana is still illegal under federal law.”
“The University values the personal wellness, health, academic success, growth, and development of the individuals within our community. The University of Portland does not believe that the use of marijuana or other drugs promotes the success of our community members.”
