Some Californians started off the new year high, in a literal sense. The passage of Proposition 64 legalized marijuana in the state of California1. Does this apply to UC Davis students, faculty and staff as well? Read more to find out the implications of marijuana and how it affects individuals.
What do you need to know about Proposition 64?
Proposition 64 enables individuals over the age of 21 to purchase, use and grow marijuana without a medical license.1 However, each state has their own regulations. Although it may seem like legalization removes barriers and increases access, there are still some regulations in place. These include:
- Individuals can only grow up to six plants2
- Marijuana products still undergo inspection to determine if they meet the standard level of THC* concentration and ingredients
- Individuals can only possess up to 1 ounce or 28.5 grams (non-concentrated) or 8 grams (concentrated) at a time2
- Individuals cannot bring marijuana across state lines, even if marijuana is legalized
*THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol and it is the main ingredient found in cannabis plants.
Recreational marijuana is now legalized in California, so users don’t need a medicinal license. That means students and individuals over 21 can purchase, use and plant these products on campus, right? Wrong. Although the state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, it remains illegal under federal laws. UC Davis along with the rest of the UC system prohibits the use of marijuana on university property and or at university events. Can you bring weed to the upcoming game at Aggie Stadium? No. Below are some common myths and facts about how this will be implemented on campus:
Myth Busting
MYTH: I can bring, smoke or sell marijuana on campus.
FACT: Along with the smoke- and tobacco-free policy implemented on UC campuses, the possession, use and sale of marijuana is prohibited in any UC building and on any UC property3.
Similar to other drugs, public usage is not allowed. Smoking marijuana is not allowed in places where tobacco is prohibited. This includes public establishments, such as businesses, schools, government buildings and hospitals. 4
MYTH: If I’m over 21 and I get caught, I won’t be in trouble because marijuana is legalized.
FACT: Although the law legalized marijuana for those over 21, this does not impact the university policy. Marijuana is still illegal under federal laws. As a result of the UC system receiving federal funding, any person caught possessing or distributing marijuana on UC grounds could face serious consequences. These include but are not limited to losing financial aid, requiring individuals to pay back loans or borrowed money, corrective programs and dismissal. 3
MYTH: I can smoke marijuana in my car.
FACT: “Drive high, get a DUI.” If you haven’t seen these signs around major freeways, you’re about to. The state of California has effective laws on intoxicated driving as well as drug use. It’s against the law for any individual to drive while under the influence of any drug; that includes marijuana. Although police cannot detect marijuana use based on breath-analyzers, they are currently developing procedures improve detection. Blood and urine tests can be used to detect THC levels; however, these tests do not indicate when marijuana was used or how high a person currently is. 5
If charged with a DUI, you may receive a fine, license suspension, mandatory DUI training programs or even jail time. If you are convicted of a marijuana DUI, you can face fines and fees up to $2,000. 6
Resources
The details of Proposition 64 are still being navigated, but here are some resources for more information:
- https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB64
- http://cityofdavis.org/city-hall/community-development-and-sustainability/medical-cannabis-information
- http://www.ucop.edu/marijuana-and-drug-policy/
- https://www.sccgov.org/sites/ceo/Documents/marijuana-FAQ.pdf
- https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2017-07/GHSA_DruggedDriving2017_FINAL_revised.pdf
http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2014/01/14/marijuana-and-dui-what-californians-need-to-know/