Cannabis FAQ

Visit the Rutgers Cannabis Information page for additional details and relevant policy information.

Go to Cannabis Information page

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis and hashish for individuals 21 years of age and over in the state of New Jersey. However, cannabis remains illegal under federal law and, therefore, is prohibited on Rutgers property. The following FAQ are designed to ensure our community is aware of the university’s policies regarding cannabis possession and use on campus.

For additional information about the university’s policies on cannabis, you may send questions to cannabisinfo@ipo.rutgers.edu. Also see the Rutgers Cannabis Information page.

What is the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, and when did it go into effect? 
On February 22, 2021, the New Jersey legislature passed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, which decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis (marijuana) and hashish for individuals 21 years of age and over in the state of New Jersey.

• Download a PDF of the law

Will cannabis/hashish be permitted on campus?
No. Even if legally obtained under state law, the possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, dissemination, and storage of recreational or medicinal cannabis, in any form, is prohibited on university property by university policy and federal law. Under the federal Controlled Substance Act, cannabis is still a controlled dangerous substance (or a Schedule I drug).

How do federal laws that prohibit cannabis use impact university policy?
Federal law prohibiting cannabis preempts state laws. The possession, use, and distribution of cannabis is still illegal and subject to prosecution under federal law, regardless of what state law permits, and regardless of whether the federal government chooses to actively enforce federal law in those states that have legalized recreational cannabis use.

Importantly for Rutgers, receipt of federal funds in the form of student loans, grants, and research support, among other things, is conditioned on compliance with federal drug law. This includes the university’s obligation to take measures to prevent the illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol on Rutgers property or at university events under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.  

Do Rutgers policies prohibiting cannabis use apply to faculty, staff, students, and visitors to campus?
Yes. Rutgers policies and federal law prohibit anyone from using, possessing, or distributing cannabis on Rutgers property or at any campus events.

What is allowed under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act?
Please note, the summary below is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice.

As of February 21, 2021, the following conduct no longer violates state law for individuals 21 years of age and over:

• Possession of 6 ounces or less of cannabis or 17 grams or less of hashish
• Being under the influence of cannabis or hashish
• Failure to properly dispose of cannabis or hashish
• Possession of paraphernalia for cannabis or hashish
• Possession of cannabis or hashish as a motor vehicle operator

Under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, where can cannabis be smoked? 
Smoking and using cannabis in public places is prohibited, but adults and medicinal users are permitted to consume cannabis in the privacy of their homes or in designated dispensary consumption areas.

Can distributors advertise for their cannabis dispensary on campus?
No. Advertising is prohibited under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

Will cannabis use be permitted on Rutgers’ campuses now that medicinal and recreational cannabis use is legal in New Jersey? 
No. The use of cannabis (marijuana) on university property and in campus facilities remains prohibited by university policy and federal law. While New Jersey has decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis (marijuana) and hashish for individuals 21 years of age and over, the possession, use, and distribution of it is still illegal and subject to prosecution under federal law. For Rutgers and other public universities, receipt of federal funds in the form of student loans, grants, and research support is conditioned on our compliance with federal drug laws. 

This prohibition applies to students, employees, and visitors while on university property. 

If I live in Rutgers housing and am over 21, can I have cannabis on campus? 
No. Cannabis is prohibited on university property and in campus facilities and will be confiscated and destroyed.

Is medicinal cannabis allowed on-campus?
No. Even if obtained through a medical provider, cannabis is prohibited on university property and at campus events and activities.

Can Rutgers prohibit me from engaging in conduct that is permissible under state law?
Yes. Like alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances that may be permissible under state law but are restricted by Rutgers policies, Rutgers will not permit the possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, dissemination, or storage of recreational or medicinal cannabis on university property. As a higher education institution, property owner, and recipient of federal funds, Rutgers has not only the authority, but the legal obligation to prohibit cannabis on university property, in campus facilities, and at university events.

Does Medical Amnesty apply to cannabis use?
Yes. The well-being of our students is of primary importance. Rutgers’ Medical Amnesty, which encourages individuals to seek assistance for people who are dangerously under the influence of drugs or alcohol, applies to the use of cannabis. No student seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use will be subject to university discipline for violations pertaining to drug or alcohol possession/use as outlined in this code of conduct.

I want to talk to someone about substance use. Where can I seek help?
Rutgers students have access to the following resources for substance abuse counseling and assistance: 

• Rutgers–Camden: Alcohol, Drug, Nicotine Counseling and Assistance
• Rutgers–Newark: Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program
• Rutgers–New Brunswick: Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) and Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
• RBHS: University Behavioral Health Care, Student Wellness Program

Can I use cannabis or hashish if I live off campus?
Cannabis is prohibited on university property and at campus events and activities. If you choose to use cannabis off campus you are responsible for determining where and under what circumstances it is legal and safe to do so.

What are the penalties for students who violate the prohibition of cannabis use and possession on university property? 
The possession and use of cannabis on university property is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct (Policy 10.2.11) and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for Students (Policy 10.2.14). These policies set specific expectations for Rutgers University student behavior and outline disciplinary actions and sanctions that may be imposed when students are found in violation of university policies and regulations. As a result of decriminalization, sanctions for cannabis possession and use will be consistent with those for alcohol as outlined in the code of student conduct. 

How might use of cannabis or hashish affect my ability to be cleared for clinical education?
Many clinical sites require students to undergo a drug test. These drug tests may be administered by the clinical site and/or by the university-approved vendor, depending on the program or clinical site requirements. Students must have a negative drug scan to be cleared for clinical education at these clinical sites.

How do I report violations of these policies?
Violations in residence halls should be reported to the appropriate Resident Assistant or Apartment Assistant.  

All other violations involving a student may be reported online using the following campus-specific forms:

• Rutgers University–Camden
• Rutgers University–Newark and RBHS nursing undergraduate students in Newark
• Rutgers University–New Brunswick and RBHS pharmacy and nursing undergraduates in New Brunswick/Piscataway
• RBHS (all other students not referenced above): Refer to RBHS Student Rights, Responsibilities & Disciplinary Procedures policy and follow the instructions in section F for filing a report.
   

May I use my medicinal cannabis while at work? 
No. Even if obtained through a medical provider, cannabis is prohibited on university property. Rutgers’ Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (Policy 60.1.11) also prohibits employees from being impaired due to cannabis use while at work, whether for medicinal or recreational use.

How do I report violations of these policies?
The university’s Ethics Point hotline (833-RU-ETHICS) allows individuals to report, anonymously or not, incidents of all types for review and follow up by the university. 

Violations involving a student may be reported online using the following campus-specific forms:

• Rutgers University–Camden
• Rutgers University–Newark and RBHS nursing undergraduate students
• Rutgers University–New Brunswick and RBHS pharmacy and nursing undergraduates in New Brunswick/Piscataway
• RBHS (all other students not referenced above): Refer to RBHS Student Rights, Responsibilities & Disciplinary Procedures policy and follow the instructions in section F for filing a report.

What should I do if an employee comes to work impaired?
If the supervisor believes that the employee requires urgent medical attention, the supervisor should call the appropriate campus Rutgers Police Department. A supervisor who reasonably believes that an employee is exhibiting behavior that may be in violation of expectations as indicated in the university’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (Policy 60.1.11) or that an employee may be unfit to perform the duties of their position because of drug or alcohol impairment, should contact the Office of Labor Relations and the appropriate campus Occupational Health Office to discuss whether a fitness-for-duty evaluation is warranted. Supervisors are encouraged to contact the Office of Labor Relations, the Rutgers–Camden Office of Human Resources, or Rutgers–Newark Human Resources for consultation prior to taking administrative action following an evaluation. 

Are there specific employee populations that may be drug tested for cannabis?
For cause or reasonable suspicion, drug testing for cannabis will only be done for specific employee populations below, as described in various federal and state regulations, facility licensure requirements, and accreditation needs: 

• Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers 
• United States Coast Guard Vessel Crewmembers 
• Sworn Police Officers 
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors in Student Health and UBHC 
• Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services Staff 

I want to speak with someone about substance use. Where can I obtain help?
Rutgers faculty and staff have access to resources that can assist you in addressing substance use through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. RBHS faculty and staff have access to resources through the UBHC Employee Assistance Program.

What happens if cannabis is found in the workplace?
The possession of cannabis in any form is prohibited on university property. As outlined in the university’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (Policy 60.1.11), violation of the prohibition may include removal from the worksite and/or discipline up to and including termination. For student employees, this may also include appropriate action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct (Policy 10.2.11).
 

Do Rutgers policies prohibiting cannabis use on university property apply to visitors on campus?
Yes. Rutgers policies and federal law prohibit anyone from using, possessing, or distributing cannabis on Rutgers property or at any campus event—indoor or outdoor—including athletic events. 
 

Is research involving the cultivation, distribution, possession, or use of cannabis permitted under federal law?
In accordance with federal regulations, the use, production, processing, sale, or growth of cannabis is not permitted, except with limited exceptions for research. Cannabis (marijuana) research may be permissible, as an exception to this federal law, if conducted under a Schedule I registration from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and conducted in compliance with all rules applicable to Schedule I research.

Can a Rutgers researcher perform research involving direct cannabis use in a Rutgers-owned or operated facility?
Yes. Research involving the possession and use of cannabis in humans and animals by researchers is allowable if the researcher has obtained a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule I registration and follows all applicable DEA regulations and guidelines as well as applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approval process may take as long as a year and DEA registration must be completed before research can begin. Researchers are encouraged to refer to the University Policy for Controlled Substances for additional information.

What state and federal requirements must be met in obtaining cannabis for research purposes?
Cannabis clinical research necessitates the researcher obtains a Schedule I registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and approval for their research protocol through scientific review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Investigational New Drug process. Other standard research approvals from the appropriate institutional review board(s) (IRBs) must also be obtained. Researchers are encouraged to refer to the University Policy for Controlled Substances and the NIDA website for additional information.