Frequently Asked Questions for the New Alcohol and Drug Policy:
Will marijuana use be permitted on Eastern Oregon University’s (EOU) campus after July 1, 2015
because of Measure 91 (allowing Oregonians to grow and possess limited amounts of marijuana
for personal use)?
No. Nothing has changed because EOU is required to comply with federal law on this issue.
Accordingly, marijuana, in all forms, including edibles and extracts, and whether for recreational
or medicinal uses, remains prohibited under University policies. This new law does not affect
Eastern Oregon University’s ability to set standards for student or workplace conduct. As a
higher-education institution, property owner, and employer, Eastern Oregon University has the
right to define what conduct is permissible and expected within its community and on its
campus.
What will change on campus after July 1, 2015, when Measure 91 become effective?
Essentially nothing will change. EOU’s policies prohibiting the use and possession of marijuana
on campus and in the workplace remain in effect. These polices must remain in place for EOU to
continue to receive federal grants, contracts, and funding for financial aid.
Does Eastern Oregon University’s policy prohibiting marijuana use apply to faculty, staff, and
visitors to campus for special events?
Yes. The University’s policy prohibits faculty, staff, guests, and visitors from using, possessing, or
being under the influence of marijuana while on campus or during University activities. Faculty
and staff, including student employees, as well as visitors to campus must comply with the
University’s Smoke and Tobacco Free policy, the Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace policy (links
set forth below), as well as other policies and rules governing use of campus facilities.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy
Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy
Can Eastern Oregon University prohibit me from engaging in conduct that is permissible under
state law?
Yes. Just because something is legal under Oregon law, it does not mean that the University
must permit the conduct within its community or on its campus.
It is also important to remember that even under State law, marijuana possession and use off
campus is still carefully regulated. Persons under 21 years of age may not possess and use
recreational marijuana. And, much like open containers of alcohol are prohibited by state law,
the open and public use of marijuana will remains unlawful wherever you are.
What is the relationship between the federal laws that prohibit marijuana use and Measure 91?
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Federal laws prohibiting marijuana use trump state laws that attempt to permit the use of
marijuana, including Measure 91 and Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act. Accordingly, if you use or
possess marijuana, whether for recreational or medical purposes, you are subject to prosecution
under federal law, regardless of what state laws permit. A conviction for drug-use under federal
law may cause you to become ineligible for federal financial aid.
If a majority of Oregon voters believe that it is OK to use and grow marijuana, why won't Eastern
Oregon University relax its policy against marijuana use and possession?
Marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance under federal law and its use remains illegal
under federal law. For that reason, permitting its use at Eastern Oregon University would violate
the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Eastern Oregon University is required to
comply with that Act as a condition of eligibility for federal funding and financial aid programs for
its students.
With respect to employees, including student employees, the University must maintain a drugfree workplace under the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. If Eastern Oregon University
fails to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act by failing to maintain a workplace free from
unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, and use of any controlled substance,
the University could become ineligible for federal grant funds and contracts. Click the following
link to read the University’s Alcohol and Drug-Free University policy.
Can I use medical marijuana on campus?
No. All marijuana use is prohibited, even if the intended purpose is for medicinal reasons. If you
are sick or suffering from an illness, you should consult with your physician or visit the Student
Health and Counsel Center to discuss appropriate medical treatments.
For students, this means that you cannot use or possess medical marijuana on campus, including
in student housing, or while in class or engaged in any University activity, wherever located.
Students may not grow or possess marijuana plants in University housing. This applies even
where a person is a medical marijuana cardholder or has authorization from any state to use or
possess medical marijuana.
For employees, the work expectations for medical marijuana are the same as for recreational
marijuana. In short, no faculty or staff shall report to work or engage in any University activity
while impaired by marijuana or while having the presence of marijuana in their system. This
applies to faculty and staff while conducting EOU activities and business, wherever located, and
to all persons present on University premises.
Where can I find more information about Measure 91 and Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program?
Oregon’s Liquor Control Commission is the state agency charged with regulating recreational
marijuana in Oregon. Its website is: http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/Pages/index.aspx. The OLCC
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has published its own FAQs to help people navigate the new laws on recreational marijuana
which is at:http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/Pages/Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx.
Separately, the Oregon Health Authority regulates Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program or
OMMP. Its website
is:http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgra
m/Pages/index.aspx.
Keep in mind that Eastern Oregon University’s policies are more restrictive than the State’s laws
on marijuana as generally described on the State of Oregon’s website. If students have questions
about applicability of the University’s policies, they should contact either the Director of Student
Services or the Director of Housing Operations if the question concerns campus housing.
Employees with questions should contact their supervisor or Human Resources.
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