Ohioans now have the opportunity to vote on Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 and older in Ohio.
Kent State Today spoke with Todd Kamenash, associate dean of students for conduct and community engagement, about the impact on the university's student conduct policy if Issue 2 is passed on November 7.
鈥淭he university receives federal money, and for us to continue to receive federal money, we have to abide by federal laws,鈥 Kamenash said. 鈥淪o as long as cannabis is considered a controlled substance by federal law, then the university will not be able to approve of or recognize cannabis as something that鈥檚 allowable on campus.鈥
Although Issue 2 may legalize the sale and usage of marijuana in the state, Kent State鈥檚 campuses will remain smoke-free.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e a student, you still won鈥檛 be permitted to use on campus,鈥 Kamenash said. 鈥淗olding or having it on your person on campus will not be any different today than it would be if it passes whenever enacted.鈥
Outcomes for student conduct cases vary and are dependent on the context of the situation, but Kent State focuses on education and restorative justice instead of punitive concepts, such as fines, Kamenesh said.
鈥淚 feel that some people are going to believe that with decriminalization it鈥檚 a free-for-all, and it鈥檚 not,鈥 Kamenash said. 鈥淚t won鈥檛 be looked at like that from the perspective of university administration.鈥