Mid Michigan universities say no to pot on campus after voters say “yes” to the use of recreational marijuana

SAGINAW COUNTY (WJRT) (11/13/2018) – Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 on Nov. 6, which will allow adults ages 21 and over to use and possess marijuana. But local college and universities are saying not so fast.

Already, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan issued statements saying marijuana will not be allowed on their campuses despite it becoming legal in Michigan.

Other colleges and universities in Mid-Michigan are keeping similar policies banning marijuana on their campuses as well.

Saginaw Valley State University reacted quickly to last week’s vote, emailing a statement to students, faculty and staff two days after the election.

“As a public institution that applies for and receives federal funding, we must abide by federal laws,” SVSU President Donald Bachand’s statement says. “This means that it is still illegal to possess and use marijuana on our campus.”

Spokesman J.J. Boehm admitted that the university is in uncharted waters.

“We and our sister institutions are going to have to figure out what we’re going to be able to do under this new environment,” he said.

SVSU student Rebekah Boothroyd said she voted in favor of Proposal 1, but understands the school’s position banning it on campus.

“It would be nice if it didn’t apply, however because we are federally funded I do understand that we have to follow the rules,” she said.

But SVSU senior Tyler Spencer believes state laws should trump federal statutes.

“If it’s passed in Michigan, I feel like you should abide by Michigan laws,” he said.

SVSU is not alone in citing federal rules. Central Michigan University President Bob Davies also issued a statement the day after the election, which reads in part, “The use or possession of marijuana is still not allowed on university properties or in the conduct of university business away from campus.”

Mott Community College and Northwood University have not issued official statements on marijuana since the election. But school officials say both their campuses will remain drug free with continued bans on marijuana.