University Guidelines On Marijuana And Regulated Cannabis Use

  

1.    While the use and possession of cannabis by individuals aged 21 and over may be permitted under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (“CREAMMA”), Section 47 of CREAMMA specifically designates institutions of higher education as locations where cannabis use, production, distribution, sale, and transportation remain prohibited. Further, cannabis still remains illegal under federal law.  NJIT students, visitors and employees should understand that possessing, using, manufacturing, distributing, or selling cannabis in any form is strictly prohibited on NJIT’s property, NJIT owned, leased or rented vehicles (regardless of their physical location), campus facilities and during University activities whether on or off-campus (collectively “NJIT Property”), and as set forth in NJIT’s Drug Policy.

2.    The use, distribution and/or possession of cannabis are prohibited by the NJIT Code of Student Conduct and are not permitted on NJIT Property. In addition, the use of medical or recreational cannabis in the workplace and on NJIT Property  is restricted by federal laws, such as the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Accordingly, any individual, including, but not limited to, any student, employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or guest who violates this policy may be subject to applicable screening procedures and shall be subject to discipline, dismissal, exclusion, termination, arrest or citation, and referral by University officials for prosecution, as may be applicable.

3.    Using, distributing or possessing cannabis in any form on NJIT Property is prohibited by the NJIT Code of Student Conduct, and students who use, distribute, and/or possess cannabis on NJIT Property are subject to discipline.  Moreover, cannabis located on NJIT Property will be confiscated and destroyed.  Cannabis use, distribution or possession is prohibited across the entire NJIT Property, including all open areas and buildings, such as the residence halls and the Greek Village.  NJIT is not required to allow – and is subject to affirmative obligations to prohibit — the medical or recreational use of cannabis on NJIT Property, including but not limited to the residence halls or on campus, because cannabis is illegal under federal law. NJIT Public Safety will continue to enforce the campus-wide prohibition of cannabis.  As a result of decriminalization of cannabis in New Jersey, any student who violates the NJIT Code of Student Conduct and the Alcohol/Drug Policy through the use, distribution and/or possession of cannabis policy may be subject to applicable screening procedures and shall be subject to discipline, dismissal, exclusion, and as otherwise determined to be proper by NJIT.  The discipline and sanctions for cannabis possession and/or use are outlined in the NJIT Code of Student Conduct and the Alcohol/Drug Policy.

4.    As noted above, the use, distribution and/or possession of cannabis is prohibited on NJIT Property and while at work, whether working on-site at NJIT Property or engaged in authorized activities while working remotely. Faculty and staff are prohibited from using cannabis while at work, whether for medical or recreational use, and whether on NJIT Property. As such, employees who are working remotely are prohibited from being under the influence of a controlled substance while engaged in University business.  NJIT is not required by either federal or state law to permit or accommodate cannabis use in the workplace or during work hours. The NJIT Employee Handbook sets forth NJIT’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy Statement; violations of the policy and prohibition of cannabis on NJIT Property may result in removal from the worksite and/or discipline up to and including termination.

5.    Additionally, State law now permits regulated cannabis activity by licensed medical or personal use cannabis entities. Accordingly, employees who intend to invest in, own, operate, represent or be employed by a medical or personal use cannabis entity, or have family members who may be contemplating doing so, must first obtain university approval by contacting the university’s Ethics Liaison Officer.

6.    Some laws and University policies to consider are:

    1. Be informed about cannabis laws and the NJIT Code of Student Conduct
    1. While state laws recently legalized the use and/or selling of certain cannabis items, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Accordingly, NJIT will not allow the use or possession of medical or recreational cannabis on NJIT Property.  The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act  and Office of the Governor, 2021.
    1. Being under the influence of cannabis is a violation of NJIT’s Drug Policy and may result in student conduct sanctions and processes. It is illegal for anyone (regardless of age) to possess or use cannabis on NJIT Property in any form, even with a prescription.
    1. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or permitting another person who is under the influence of an intoxicating narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug to operate a motor vehicle can lead to a DUI arrest.

7.    The following resources are available:

    1. For every person coping with, experiencing or dealing with an addiction- whether it is dependency on drugs, alcohol, food, compulsive spending, gambling, sex or an Internet addiction- at least 6 other people in their lives can be directly affected. Without treatment intervention, substance, and behavioral addictions can persist even with the knowledge of negative health, academic, and social consequences. 
    1. If you would like to talk to someone, resources are available on campus. The addiction specialist at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) can assist you in sorting out any questions or concerns that you may have about your own addictive behaviors or someone else's. Confidential services include assessment, individual counseling, education, and referral to off-campus services when needed. Students of all levels of use and non-use are welcome. Additionally, students who seek emergency medical attention for themselves or others for a condition related to use of cannabis, will not be charged with related violations of the Code of Student Conduct
    1. The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services  -Students can seek additional information and assistance at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services by calling (973) 596-3414.  
    1. Employee Assistance Program.  Employees and their family members can seek assistance through Carebridge at myliferesources.com or 1-800-437-0911.
    1. Marijuana e-CHECKUP TO GO: A web based interactive survey that allows university and college age students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive feedback about their use of cannabis. 
    1. Addictions Hotline of New Jersey:  Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-238-2333 which provides trained clinically supervised telephone specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to educate, assist, interview and/or refer individuals and families battling addictions.  Calls are free and information shared is confidential.
    1. Marijuana Anonymous:  A twelve step-based recovery program for people with a common desire to stop marijuana use and recover from marijuana addiction.  There are no dues or fees for membership.  https://marijuana-anonymous.org, MA World Services 1-800-766-6779
    1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.