University Guidelines on Marijuana Use and Hemp Research

CSU students and employees should understand that possessing, using or selling marijuana in any form is prohibited on campus and during University activities. Amendment 64 legalizes certain activities related to marijuana under Colorado law, yet Amendment 64 specifically authorizes the University – as a school and an employer – to prohibit the possession and use of marijuana on University property.

In addition, although Amendment 64 passed in Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana is still prohibited under federal law. As a federally controlled substance, the use and possession of marijuana on campus is prohibited by CSU policy and the CSU Student Conduct Code.

Research on hemp (marijuana which contains less than 0.3 percent of the THC compound) is permitted within specific parameters governed the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) and Colorado state statute 35-61.

Use and Possession of Marijuana is Prohibited on Campus

Colorado law may allow certain marijuana related activities, such as limited medical marijuana use and other recreational use and possession. However, using and possessing marijuana in any form remains a crime under federal law. At the federal level, the Controlled Substances Act criminalizes the growing and use of marijuana, and it is well settled that federal enforcement agencies can prosecute users and growers of marijuana. As a controlled substance, use and possession of marijuana is also prohibited by the Student Conduct Code and is not permitted on campus. In addition to being a federal offense under the act, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace and on campus is restricted by federal laws, such as the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Those federal laws require the University to prohibit the use of marijuana on campus.

CSU Students

Using or possessing marijuana in any form, including without limitation tinctures, edibles and topicals, is prohibited by the CSU Student Conduct Code, and students who use or possess marijuana are subject to discipline. Marijuana use or possession is prohibited across the entire campus, including all open areas and buildings, such as the residence and dining halls. CSU is not required to allow – and in fact is subject to affirmative obligations to prohibit — the medical or recreational use of marijuana in the residence halls or on campus, because marijuana is illegal under federal law. The Colorado State University Police Department will continue to enforce the campus-wide prohibition of marijuana.

Health Resources

CSU Health Network Resource: Marijuana

Hemp

CSU Students

While hemp and cannabinoids derived from hemp are now legal under federal law, they remain subject to regulation. Hemp can only be grown by growers licensed by the State of Colorado. Products derived from legally grown  hemp can be legally possessed. However, it can be difficult to determine if CBD products have been legally produced. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that use of these products can  trigger a positive drug test result for marijuana use.

Hemp research

Conducting hemp research is permitted under the Agricultural Act of 2018 (Farm Bill). Industrial hemp products and non-viable hemp seeds can contain no more than 0.3 percent of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol concentration on a dry-weight basis. Any researcher seeking to research cannabis above the 0.3 percent concentration is required to seek Schedule I clearance from the DEA.

Researchers seeking to research aspects of industrial hemp production or growth should contact the Research Integrity and Compliance Review Office for further guidance prior to commencing such research.

FAQs about Hemp and Marijuana Research

Links

Additional Resources

For further information regarding University marijuana policies, please contact the following offices:

  • Students: Division of Student Affairs: 970-491-5312
  • Employees: Human Resources: 970-491-6947
  • Research: Division of Research: 970-491-7194

updated May 2017