Mary Jane gets the “OK” in Oregon
But a “Big N.O.” on Campus
Measure 91 or The Oregon Legalized Marijuana Initiative was passed in a state wide ballot last week on Nov. 4. So what will this mean for UCC?
Going into effect July 1, 2015, Measure 91 will allow people ages 21 and older to possess 8 ounces of dried marijuana and up to four plants within a household. This among other things were configured within measure 91.
UCC’s next steps to adjusting to measure 91 are to consider not only the state measure but also the law federally. Joyce Colman,vice president of Student Services, says, “This measure was passed through the state and not federally, [so being a federally funded school], we have to also abide by the federal law.”
Federally funded schools must abide by federal law to continue getting their federal funding. UCC will follow these laws accordingly but will adjust to fulfill these while keeping the wellbeing of the student body in mind.
Referring to UCC’s Student Code of Conduct, Colman states, “Like alcohol [and other controlled substances], marijuana is not allowed on campus.”
Students will have to abide by the Student Code of Conduct when dealing with controlled substances, but due to measure 91 being passed, the code of conduct will undergo some new considerations to adjust. “The Student Code of Conduct may be adjusted to consider prescribed medical marijuana,” says Colman.
It is unsure how prescribed medical marijuana will be considered after July 1, 2015; however, until then it is against the law to possess it on campus.
“Overall, I don’t think it will affect [UCC]. People are going to do what they are supposed to do, and if they don’t then the Student Code of Conduct will be addressed.”
Before measure 91 takes effect on July 1, 2015, the ruling of the use of marijuana on campus will be as it always has been. The federal law still considers marijuana as a dangerous and illegal drug with no acceptable medicinal value. In accordance with the federal law, marijuana is not tolerated anywhere on UCC’s campus.
Marijuana Facts
•The amount of THC in marijuana has increased over the past few decades—from 4% in the 1980s to almost 15% in 2012. Scientists don’t yet know what this increase in potency means for a person’s health. It could be that users take in higher amounts of THC, or they may adjust how they consume marijuana (like smoke or eat less) to compensate for the greater potency.
•“Weed,” “pot,” “bud,” “grass,” “herb,” “Mary Jane,” “MJ,” “reefer,” “skunk,” “boom,” “gangster,” “kif,” “chronic,” and “ganja” are all other names used for marijuana.
•When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin almost immediately and can last from 1 to 3 hours. Decision-making, concentration, and memory can suffer for days after use, especially in regular users.
•If marijuana is consumed in foods or beverages, the effects of THC appear later—usually in 30 minutes to 1 hour—but can last up to 4 hours.
•There is some evidence cannabidiol, an active chemical in marijuana, may be useful in treating seizures in children with severe epilepsy, so a cannabidiol-based drug also is now being studied.
•Pill versions of TCH, an active chemical in marijuana, have been approved to treat nausea (feeling sick) in cancer patients and to increase appetite in some patients with AIDS.
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Riley Adamson Major: General Education/AAOT
How will the legalization of marijuana have an effect…?
…on campus? : “I don’t think it will affect the campus as much. People who already use it don’t really use it on campus.”
…on students? : “Pot is recognized as the ‘I don’t care drug.” [People] take it and can lose interest in the things they are doing. It can make students not care about school so there could be a significant increase in drop outs.”
…in the community? : “Overall I think it will have a positive effect. It will increase market for dispensaries and take money out of local drug dealers’ pockets making use a little more safe and regulated. I’m also expecting a tax on it.”
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Harmeen Sohi Major: Communications
How will the legalization of marijuana have an effect…?
…on campus? : “It will be negative. It is a learning environment here you are supposed to be benefiting your future here. [The legalization] will only bring negativity to the campus.”
…on students? : “Negatively. There are different age groups at this school and these groups develop habits differently. While it would be ok for some, it could be really bad for others. I feel it might have an effect on the amount of drop outs. [Students] gaining a bad habit right before starting a career can affect their whole lives.”
…in the community? : “[Marijuana] is already there but that doesn’t make [legalization] ok. I only see it as a negative. It would only encourage the use of other drugs. We should promote healthy choices [as a community]. Why put more negativity in [our community]?”
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David Rethwill Major: General Education/AAOT
How will the legalization of marijuana have an effect…?
…on campus? : “I don’t think it will have a negative or positive effect. It’s already used and now since the legalization it won’t be abused.”
…on students? : “I think it will be positive. With less restriction people will probably be more responsible with it. People who need to use it will have less stress about using it.”
…in the community? : “I think it will have a positive effect on the community.