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No Changes in WC’s Marijuana Policy with New Ohio Law

Ohio Issue 2 MessageIt is important to note that, while the State of Ohio has legalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana for persons over the age of 21, this does not authorize the distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on College property for any reason.  Recreational cannabis use is illegal under federal law.  Because cannabis is a Schedule I drug, allowing it on campus violates the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.  Under this law, institutions receiving federal funds and grants are required to adopt standards of conduct that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs by students and employees on their property or as part of any of their activities. 

Questions or concerns regarding the College's policy can be directed to Sigrid Solomon, Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students, sigrid_solomon@wilmington.edu

Please find below our current policy:
Drug Policy 


As an academic community, Wilmington College is committed to providing an environment in which learning and scholarship can flourish. The possession or use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the College’s environment, as well as the individual potential of our students. The College enforces all applicable federal, state, and local laws and College policies. 

Prohibition of Illicit Drugs

Wilmington College prohibits the unlawful use, possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illicit drugs on College property and as part of any College activity. Students must comply fully with all federal, state, and municipal regulations regarding the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution, and/or possession of illicit drugs or controlled substances. In addition, the misuse of substances which present physical or psychological hazards to individuals is prohibited. 

Violations of the Drug Policy include, but are not limited to:

• Knowing possession of drug paraphernalia. 
• Misuse of prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. 
• The use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution, and/or possession of illicit drugs or controlled substances in violation of federal, state, or municipal laws is prohibited by the College and is not permitted in the residence halls or on any College property. 
• Failure to report the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution, and/or possession of illicit drugs or other illegal substances on any College property to a College official. 
• Being knowingly present during the use of illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other substances which present physical or psychological hazards to individuals. 

Sanctions for Drug Policy Violations

Students who use, possess, or distribute illicit drugs will be subject to the judicial process described in this Handbook. Consistent with state and federal law, the College may impose sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination, or referral for prosecution. 
College employees supervising the activity are subject to the alcohol and drug policies in the Administrative and Support Staff Handbook or Faculty Handbook. 

Illicit Drugs and the Law  

In addition to health risks, legal risks of illicit drugs must be considered. Federal, state, and local laws strictly prohibit the use, possession, and distribution of illicit drugs. Penalties vary depending on the specific drug and the quantity involved. For detailed information on the laws of the State of Ohio, see the Ohio Revised Code at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/

Medical Marijuana

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3796 legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. Although students with a medical marijuana card may now legally may possess and consume certain quantities of marijuana in Ohio, doing so is prohibited on the College’s property or at college-sponsored events (either on or off campus) pursuant to federal law. 
The College is subject to the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Free Communities and Schools Act, and the Drug Free Workplace Act. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug. The use, possession, cultivation, or sale of marijuana violates federal law. 
The College may make accommodations to the on-campus housing requirement for students who are legally recognized Ohio medical marijuana users. Students who have a medical marijuana card and who wish to obtain an accommodation should contact the Director of Disability Services’ office at accessibility@wilmington.edu or 481-2444 and follow the accommodation process outlined in the Disabilities Policy herein in order to request an exemption to the housing and meal plan policies herein. 

Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drug Use 

Illicit drug use causes varied and severe threats to the physical, mental and emotional health of students. The impact of illicit drug use on all life areas makes it virtually impossible to maintain the level of healthy functioning required to thrive and succeed in the academic world. 

Campus and Community Resources

Wilmington College has a variety of prevention and education alternatives available to students, as well as sanctions designed to assist individuals determined to reduce substance abuse problems. Anyone experiencing problems with their own or someone else’s use of illicit drugs should consult available resources, both on campus and in the local area. Screening, evaluation, and intervention for any student using illicit drugs or impacted by another’s illicit drug use is available on a free and confidential basis in the Wilmington College Counseling Office. Evaluations are non-judgmental, with the primary concern being to help each student make their own responsible, healthy choices. 

Phone numbers are listed below, and printed information is available in the Student Health Center. 

On Campus: 
• Director of Health Services – (937) 481-2217 
• Director of Counseling Services – (937) 481-2272 
• Campus Safety – (937) 382-0100 
• Housing and Residence Life – (937) 481-2312 

Wilmington and Clinton County:
• Mental Health and Recovery Center of Warren and Clinton Counties – (513) 695- 1695 
• 24/7 Crisis Help: If you or someone you know is in a mental health and/or alcohol/drug crisis, please call the crisis hot line 1-877-695-6333 or text “4hope” to 741741. 
• Mental Health and Recovery Center of Clinton County – (937) 383-4441  
• Wilmington Police – (937) 382-3833 
• Clinton County Sheriff – (937) 382-1611 
• State Highway Patrol – (937) 382-2551 
Q&A
Q: Does the NCAA consider cannabinoids a banned substance? 
A: Yes, Cannabinoids are banned by the NCAA and can result in suspension. Cannabinoids include cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD). (The NCAA bans drugs by class, along with any substance chemically/pharmacologically related to those classes. The banned drug classes are: anabolic agents; stimulants; beta blockers (for rifle only); masking agents such as diuretics; narcotics; cannabinoids; peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics; hormone and metabolic modulators (anti-estrogens); and beta-2 agonists.) 

Q: Can I be drug tested?
A: Yes, the NCAA and its member schools can conduct drug testing. The NCAA conducts testing at its championships in Division I, II, and III, and year-round on campus in Division I and II programs. In addition, member schools can and do conduct their own institutional testing programs independent of NCAA testing programs. 

Q: What is the penalty for failing a school-administered drug test?
A: Each NCAA member school has the discretion to establish an institutional drug-testing program and determine related penalties.  If a testing program is established by a member school, the school is obligated to enforce related penalties and failure to do so can lead to NCAA sanctions.

Q: How does marijuana affect the brain?
A: THC a chemical in marijuana can cause short- and long-term effects on the brain.

Q: What are some short-term effects of marijuana?
A: Mood changes, impaired memory, hallucinations, impaired body movement, impact on thinking, attention.

Q: What are some long-term effects of marijuana? 
A: Cognitive issues- memory, thinking, learning. Marijuana affects brain development.

Q: What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
A: A condition in which a person can experience cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (cramping) after using cannabis.

Q: What are some health issues related to marijuana use?
A: Breathing issues, elevated heart rate, low birth weight and an increased risk of brain and behavioral problems in babies, nausea and vomiting, paranoia, short term memory loss.