Dear CWRU Faculty, Staff, Postdoctoral Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows,
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Ohio voted to legalize marijuana for adult use. This means that the use and possession of legally acquired marijuana will soon become legal for people 21 and older in the state. However, we are writing to clarify that marijuana, in any form, will continue to be prohibited at Case Western Reserve University.
As an institution of higher education receiving federal funding, we must comply with all federal laws, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1989. Additionally, federal law continues to regard marijuana as an illegal controlled substance and the university will abide by federal law. We understand some of you may disagree with the continued restriction of marijuana at Case Western Reserve University, but federal law is clear and the university must abide by it.
University policies related to drugs, narcotics, or other controlled substances will continue to apply to marijuana (both medicinal and adult-use), including but not limited to the university’s Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace policy. Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of marijuana in any form, including edibles and extracts, as well as use or possession of drug paraphernalia, will be considered a violation of university policy if any of the following apply:
- You are on any property owned or operated by Case Western Reserve University.
- You are performing work for Case Western Reserve University, regardless of whether such work is being performed on Case Western Reserve University property or not.
- You are participating in an activity sponsored by Case Western Reserve University.
- You are otherwise violating any federal, state, or local law or University policy.
Our students have received a similar communication and were provided important information and resources regarding marijuana usage and effects. You can find the information shared in that email on the University Health and Counseling Services website as a reference and resource.
If you are a faculty or staff member who is seeking help with your cannabis use/misuse, you are encouraged to reach out to the university’s Employee Assistance program. As a reminder, the university's Employee Assistance Program (IMPACT Solutions) can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 800.227.6007. Regardless of when you call (day or night), you will speak with a mental health professional who will provide you with support and guidance.
If you have questions after reading this notification, please call Employee Relations at 216.368.2268.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Gregory, Vice President for Human Resources
Joy K. Ward, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President