ALISA OPPENHEIMER
News Editor
New York has officially become the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana use.
If you haven’t heard the news, on March 31, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows adults 21 and older to consume marijuana recreationally.
The bill first passed the Senate with 40 voting in favor of it and 23 against it.
It later reached the Assembly where it was approved with 100 votes in favor of it over 49 votes against it.
“This is a historic day,” said Cuomo in a press release on the day the bill passed.
“…one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits,” he said.
The bill not only allows recreational use by people ages 21 and up, but it also allows individuals to buy from authorized sellers and possess up to three ounces of cannabis, or 24 grams of concentrated forms, like oils.
Besides this, any person who was convicted, prior to the new bill, for cannabis-related charges that are no longer criminalized will be expunged, or have the violation erased in the eyes of law.
Due to the drastic change in the New York State law, many students are wondering whether or not the rules on our campus regarding marijuana will change, as well.
Currently, our campus follows a tobacco-free policy, put in place by SUNY, back in 2012.
This bans smoking of any and all tobacco products, including electronic smoking or vaping devices.
It’s likely this policy won’t be adjusted.
But will any other rules change?
How will University Police handle interactions regarding marijuana?
Will rules regarding possession or use of marijuana in dorms be similar to current rules regarding alcohol in dorms?
The issue is, since this act is so new, sources like President Kolison, as well as University Police don’t have much to say on the topic because Fredonia is awaiting SUNY guidance.
In a campus-wide email, Kolison mentioned that many people have reached out with questions and concerns regarding legalization of cannabis and how it affects this campus.
The two main points he noted were:
-While this state law authorizing adult-use of cannabis by those age 21 and older became effective immediately, SUNY remains bound by its federal requirements under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
-Pursuant to federal requirements and existing SUNY policy, the use, possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis remain prohibited on SUNY campuses and subject to code of conduct and disciplinary actions. This prohibition covers all SUNY property located in public spaces or in dorms or offices, including university-owned and leased buildings, housing and parking lots. The prohibition also applies to [people attending] all SUNY events or conducting university business, except for approved academic research.
He also made sure to indicate what he really thinks will come about this change in law and encouraged students to respect Fredonia’s current policies in place.
“I do not anticipate operational changes on SUNY campuses as a result of this new legislation. Therefore, it will not be a smart move on anyone’s part to test our current policy regarding marijuana,” he said.
The University Police Chief, Brent Isaacson, also made it clear that U.P. is still awaiting more guidance on the topic and requested that he be interviewed again once he has more solid details and information.
“The new legislation is quite complex and SUNY legal counsel and other authorities are working to better understand its practical effects, if any, on our campus,” he said. To find out more about the current policies regarding tobacco use, students can go here.