The use of medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma, but it remains against the rules at OCU.
Oklahoma SQ 788 regarding the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative passed June 26. Oklahoma is the 30th state to pass the initiative.
An email from Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, was sent to students Sept. 13 regarding the school’s policy on medical marijuana.
The email reads: “no person may possess or use marijuana, in any form, or be under the influence of marijuana on any university property or at any off-campus university event, even with a valid medical marijuana patient license.”
The student handbook reads: “a positive test result for marijuana will not be used as the sole reason to refuse admission into the university if the applicant possesses a valid medical marijuana license issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.”
The medical amnesty policy, which protects students seeking medical attention for alcohol or drug-related emergencies, is still in place with the recent legalization of medical marijuana, according to the email.
The student handbook, code of conduct, and alcohol and other drugs policies were updated to reflect the new rule.
An email was sent the following day asking students to participate in the annual anonymous research survey about alcohol and marijuana use on campus. The email quotes Jordan Tarter, English/philosophy senior and Student Government Association president.
“This survey is absolutely anonymous, and its purpose isn’t to ‘catch’ anyone,” Tarter wrote. “In order to properly educate ourselves and ensure that OKCU is a safe place for us to learn and grow, we must first gain an understanding of the current situation pertaining to drug and alcohol use.”
Another email was sent Sept. 21 to faculty and staff regarding medical marijuana policies in the workplace.
Addison Saviers, religion sophomore, said her friends and family have the ability to self-medicate.
“I really think medical marijuana is a great tool that individuals can use to fight chronic illnesses, even just anxiety and depression,” Saviers said. “Having the ability to self-medicate and know your own limits and be able to have the freedom to make yourself feel better is a great thing to have. It’s helped my friends and family a lot, and I can definitely see a difference in our relationships when they can self-medicate.”
Students with questions about medical marijuana and use of alcohol on campus may call the OCUPD non-emergency phone at (405) 208-5001.
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