STATEMENT ON THE ARIZONA MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT (Proposition 203)

To:	Members of the University of Arizona Community
From:	Allison M. Vaillancourt, Vice President, Human Resources
Subject:	Statement on Medical Marijuana
Date:	January 26, 2011

Last November, Arizona voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which permits the use and possession of marijuana for certain medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, the University of Arizona will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose. A statement from the Office of General Counsel explaining the University's position follows.

STATEMENT ON THE ARIZONA MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT (Proposition 203)

Arizona voters recently approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203) which, under certain circumstances, permits individuals to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, however, the University has and will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose.

Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, "no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees." Federal law, entitled The Controlled Substances Act, prohibits the possession, use or production of marijuana, even for medical use. Therefore, the University will continue to enforce its current policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Employees and students who violate University policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.

Prepared by:	Office of the General Counsel
Date:	January 18, 2011
Contact:	Glenn George, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Vicki Gotkin, University Attorney