Marijuana: 10 Things You Need to Know

It may be legal in Massachusetts, but you still cannot possess or use on campus

By Rich Barlow

Possession and use of marijuana remains banned on BU’s campuses, which are governed by federal prohibitions on the drug. Photo by iStock/pabloborca

Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis sales July 1, following a ballot initiative passed by voters two years ago permitting marijuana use by people age 21 and older. But before you toke up, there are some important things you need to know. For starters, it’s still illegal to possess, use, or cultivate marijuana on campus, because federal law still prohibits it. Colleges that receive federal money are thus bound to uphold federal laws or risk losing that funding.

BU Today reached out to the Boston University Police Department for clarification of the policies for those living on and off campus. Here’s what you should know:

1. Using pot anywhere on campus, including dorm rooms, is prohibited for students and nonstudents.
2. BU policy also prohibits the possession, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes in any University residence hall or other University premises.
3. The previous restrictions apply to all University-sponsored events and activities off campus, as well as any student organization event.
4. Even with legalization, the state bans all marijuana users, of all ages, from public smoking.
5. Adults 21 and over living off campus are limited to possessing one ounce of dried marijuana or 5 grams of concentrated substance on their person under state law, with another 9 ounces permitted in their home.
6. Adults may grow up to 6 plants individually, or 12 plants per household, when more than one adult lives in the home.
7. People over 18 but under 21 who possess or use pot face a fine of $100 and must complete a drug awareness program.
8. BU administers drug tests to new employees hired at the BUPD, BU’s Public Safety Department, and the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL). NEIDL employees are also subject to random drug testing. These protocols will continue.
9. Massachusetts prohibits driving under the influence of marijuana.
10. Oh, about that federal ban: it also means you can’t travel out of state with marijuana, especially on planes, even if you bought the pot legally here in Massachusetts.