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Inside Cal Poly

Since the passage of California Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, a lot of smoke has been blown about what is and isn’t legal at Cal Poly. To help clear the air, we have gathered a list of common questions concerning cannabis and the university. As UPD Chief George Hughes explains, it is in students’ best interest to educate one another, so we all have a full understanding of what is allowed. Feel free to share this cannabis information freely with friends and other students.



Am I allowed to smoke pot or use tobacco on campus?



The use of cannabis or any form of smoking/tobacco is prohibited at Cal Poly — despite what you may have heard otherwise.



Why can’t I smoke on campus if recreational marijuana is legal in California?



Proposition 64 made recreational marijuana legal for those age 21 and over in California on Jan. 1, 2018. However, all forms of smoking and tobacco use are prohibited on all California State University (CSU) campuses.



Since CSU campuses receive funding from the federal government, they are subject to comply with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/3614">The Drug Free School and Community Act</a>, which requires a drug-free campus.



Also, CSU Executive Order 1108 was enacted April 7, 2017, and revoked all then-current CSU policies regarding smoking and tobacco. Under EO1108, all CSU campuses were required to become smoke and tobacco-free.



What if I have a valid medical marijuana license?



Long story short, federal regulations makes it illegal for students to smoke marijuana or any other substance on campus, regardless of whether they have a valid medical marijuana license. The same goes for any tobacco use.



Can I smoke in my car?



No, you cannot smoke in your car on campus property.



Can I smoke off campus?



Yes and no. Prop 64 is long and complicated. Smoking cannabis legally depends on many factors, including how old you are and where you smoke. Knowing students don’t have a lot extra time for reading,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-proposition-64-marijuana-legalization-explained-20161107-story.html">here</a>&nbsp;is an article that breaks it down quickly.



Can I eat it on campus?



Cannabis edibles in any form — including brownies, cookies, soda, and the like — are not allowed at Cal Poly, again, per the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/3614">The Drug Free School and Community Act</a>&nbsp;and Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.



Where can I go for resources to help with substance abuse?



PULSE is a student organization located on campus that is here to help. They aim to care for the overall well-being of Cal Poly students and are a great resource for those struggling with substance abuse issues.

Crosswalk with "Cal Poly" painted on the street near palm trees and greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Tag: Cannabis

Cannabis on Campus Q & A