Cannabis in College: Look Out!

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College students are at the forefront of social change and experimentation. Reinventing themselves or simply trying new things, Generation Z is always ready to try something new. Cannabis is no exception to this rule. While some colleges have taken steps towards legalizing marijuana use on campus, or simply being marijuana friendly, others are on the opposite end of the pendulum—not allowing drug use period.

Marijuana is illegal on most college campuses around the world. It is banned in many countries—including Canada, Australia, and Europe—but also in many state governments for recreational purposes only. This does not prevent students from openly using substances on campus grounds unless reported.

Some states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for people aged 21 and over.

You can purchase marijuana in some states at the age of 21.

• Colorado, Oregon and Washington State have legalized recreational use of marijuana for people aged 21 and over.

• Alaska allows residents to use medical marijuana with a valid prescription from a licensed health care provider. Adults may also grow up to six plants for personal consumption, but only if they live more than 25 miles from any school or park where minors are present (like playgrounds).

The minimum age for buying recreational cannabis in these states varies depending on what state you are in: Colorado requires anyone under 18 years old to be accompanied by an adult over 21 years old when purchasing from licensed stores. Oregon requires people over 21 who are not working with minors during their visit. Washington requires those under 21 who want to buy be accompanied by someone over 25 who has been certified by the dispensary manager before entering the store itself!

College students need to know that marijuana use is still illegal at most universities.

For college students, it is important to remember that marijuana is not legal everywhere. In fact, most universities have policies prohibiting any use of cannabis on campus. If you are caught using or selling marijuana in the United States, your school can expel you and deny you your degree—and even if they do not do either of those things directly, it might be hard for them to admit a student who has been expelled for drug use.

The same goes for other countries with strict drug laws, like Canada. Even if your home country allows recreational or medical use of marijuana by adults over 21 years old, there are still consequences if anyone finds out about it: international travel will be difficult; future job prospects might be impacted negatively; etc.

The federal government still considers cannabis to be a Schedule I drug—a category reserved for substances with “no currently accepted medical use.” Even if your university allows marijuana on campus, there is potential for disciplinary action or suspension from classes and housing. Since most public places have been designated as off-limits for smoking cigarettes or marijuana, though there may be some legal exceptions, they are not likely going away anytime soon.

If you are considering becoming a medical marijuana patient while in college, there are some important things that you should know about obtaining your card:

The first step to obtaining a medical marijuana card is to get a recommendation from your doctor.

To be considered for a recommendation, you must have your physician do the following:

• Be a specialist in cannabis or be board-certified in any of the following fields: medicine, pharmacy or neurology. This means that they have been trained to treat patients with cannabis and understand its effects on different people’s bodies.

• Have experience prescribing cannabis to patients (at least two years). This will help them know how much dosage of THC products would be best for you based on your specific needs.

• Clearly explain their relationship with the dispensary where they purchase their products.

College students: marijuana use is still illegal at most universities. If needed, research more on how to obtain a medical marijuana card, as well as where it can be used legally in your home state or country.

Images: Helena Lopes, Pixabay