When Colorado Amendment 64, which legalizes small amounts of marijuana for personal use by those more than 21 years of age, became effective in January, nothing changed at UCCS.
Marijuana, in all forms, remains prohibited on campus.
University officials clarified the position of the University of Colorado on the issue in an effort to inform students, faculty, staff and other university stakeholders of the university’s position and the importance of compliance with federal law.
In November, Colorado voters approved Colorado Amendment 64 as an amendment to Colorado law. The amendment allows people more than 21 years old to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis. While the amendment was certified in Dec. 2012, the Colorado General Assembly must pass legislation implementing many of the operative provisions.
Amendment 64 is an amendment to Colorado’s constitution, but has no effect upon federal laws that currently prohibit the possession and use of marijuana. Patrick O’Rourke, university counsel, also stressed that the passage of Amendment 64 does not alter the UCCS obligation to comply with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires public institutions of higher education that receive federal funding to enact policies that prohibit the use of federally controlled substances.
“UCCS will comply with federal law,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said. “Doing so is in the best interests of students, faculty and staff and allows us to continue the mission of the university in place for almost 50 years.”
Possession of marijuana will be a university policy violation and subject to penalty through the appropriate student or employee disciplinary process. For example, a student who is found to possess marijuana on university property will be subject to discipline under the student code of conduct. Likewise, if an employee is found possessing marijuana, that employee will be subject to discipline under employee policies.
Significantly, Amendment 64 only removes criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana when the person in possession is 21 years of age or older. Any person under the age of 21 who is in possession of marijuana remains subject to criminal penalties under Colorado law.
Additional information regarding Amendment 64 and the position of the University of Colorado is available at:
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