Following the passage of a constitutional amendment last month, the use of recreational marijuana for those 21 and older will become legal under certain conditions in the state of Missouri on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. However, possession and use of marijuana remains subject to many limitations under both the constitutional amendment and under federal law. The University of Missouri System continues to be bound by the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the federal Drug Free Workplace Act, which requires the UM System to have policies in place that discipline employees and students for possessing or using illegal drugs on university property, university-leased property, or as part of university-sponsored or university-supervised activities.
Because the federal government continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, it remains illegal for any employee, student or visitor to possess, use, distribute, dispense, sell or manufacture marijuana on any university-owned or controlled property. This includes our four university campuses, extension offices and research farms.
The prohibition applies to both recreational and medical use. So, even though you might have a medical marijuana identification card, you may still not use or possess marijuana on university property, university-leased property, or as part of any university-sponsored or university-supervised activity.
Students and employees should also be aware that Amendment 3 does not legalize public consumption of marijuana; consumption of marijuana in public areas adjacent to a campus will not be permitted. In addition, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana remains unlawful, and students and employees who operate a vehicle under the influence of marijuana on streets or roadways abutting a campus may also be subject to discipline in accordance with university policy.
Currently, UM System policy HR-508 (Drug/Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace) states that violation of the policy could result in discipline up to and including termination from the university. In the UM System Collected Rules and Regulations, policy 200.010 (Standard of Conduct) states that students could face disciplinary hearings and face discipline up to and including expulsion.
Visitors to any UM System campus are also subject to this restriction. This includes visitors to athletic events, concerts and any other event or meeting held on campus.
More information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
