How the passage of Proposal 1 affects GRCC

Students and employees may have questions about how the passage of Proposal 1 will affect Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). The passage of Proposal 1, The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, does not change federal law or college policy, both of which prohibit marijuana in all forms on campus. GRCC policy prohibits students, employees, and members of the public from possessing, using, or being under the influence of marijuana for any reason, including medicinal, on college property or during any college activity.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act (41 U.S.C. 701) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (20 U.S.C. 1145g), the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use or sale of a controlled substance or alcohol on property owned or controlled by the college or as part of any college-sponsored program off-campus is strictly prohibited. As a recipient of Title IV Federal Financial Aid funding, GRCC is required to follow the federal Controlled Substances Act, which states growing or using marijuana is a crime, regardless of state law. As an employer, GRCC will follow the federal Drug Free Workplace Act, which prohibits the possession of marijuana in the workplace.

Violating the college’s policies may be grounds for discipline or corrective action as stated in College policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Relevant GRCC policies and resources are listed below:

• GRCC Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Student Code of Conduct
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) (Includes on campus and local resources)
• GRCC Tobacco/E-Cigarette Free Environment

GRCC would also like to remind students and employees that the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaporizer pens are also prohibited on campus, per GRCC Policy.

Thank you for your continued adherence to college policy and federal laws.

—

Proposal 1 Q&A

Below are answers to some of the common questions surrounding Proposal 1:

    1. What is Proposal 1?

Statewide Ballot Proposal 18-1, known as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, amends state and local law to allow the personal possession and use of a limited amount of marijuana by individuals 21 years and older. It also permits the taxation of revenue from commercial marijuana and industrial hemp facilities and creates the framework for how the government will administer and enforce the legislation.

    2. Now that Proposal 1 has passed, is it the law?

Not yet. The amendment goes into effect ten days after the Michigan Secretary of State certifies the election and changes the state law regarding possession of marijuana in Michigan.  Michigan results are certified about three weeks after Election Day. Therefore, legalization of marijuana would likely occur in December 2018.

    3. When it is law, can I use marijuana in public?

Being under the influence of marijuana remains illegal while operating motor vehicles, aircrafts, motorboats, off-road recreational vehicles, or snowmobiles. Smoking marijuana remains illegal in all public places.

Property owners may prohibit leaseholders from smoking marijuana on their properties. Employers may punish employees for violating workplace drug policies and working under the influence.

The Michigan Legislature will have to create laws regulating marijuana businesses before the product becomes commercially available.  Municipalities are authorized to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries.

    4. Will marijuana use be permitted on GRCC’s campus?

No. The use of marijuana in any form, including edibles and extracts, will remain prohibited by GRCC’s policies and federal law. GRCC prohibitions will not change when the new legislation goes into effect.

GRCC must comply with federal laws regarding the possession, distribution and consumption of marijuana, which is still a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970. In addition, GRCC is obligated to follow the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and prevent the illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees on GRCC property or at events.

    5. Can GRCC prohibit me from engaging in conduct that is permissible under state law?

Yes. Like alcohol, tobacco and other controlled substances that may be permissible under state law but are restricted by GRCC policies, GRCC will not permit the use of marijuana on GRCC property. GRCC, as a higher education institution and property owner, has the authority to regulate the drug on campus grounds and at events.

    6. How do federal laws that prohibit marijuana use interact with the drug’s legality on a state level?

Federal law prohibiting marijuana preempts state law. The possession, use, distribution, etc. of marijuana is still subject to prosecution under federal law, regardless of what state laws permit.

    7. What is permissible under Proposal 1?

 The state law allows individuals 21 years of age or older to possess, use, transport or process up to 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana or 15 grams of marijuana concenrate.in public. At home, users are allowed to have up to 10 ounces and 12 plants, as long as they are not grown in a location visible from outside. There are additional restrictions on storage.