In 2010, Arizona voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Propositions 203), a state law permitting individuals to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, however, the Maricopa Community Colleges will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose.
Under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, “…no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees.” Another federal law, the Controlled Substances Act, prohibits the possession, use, production, and distribution of marijuana for any and all uses, including medicinal use. This law is not affected by the passage of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Because Maricopa Community Colleges could lose its eligibility for federal funds if it fails to prohibit marijuana, it is exempt from the requirements of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Therefore, Maricopa Community Colleges will continue to enforce its current policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities.
Employees and students who violate Maricopa Community Colleges policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school and termination of employment.
ADOPTED through the Administrative Regulation approval process, March 13, 2012