To ensure schools comply with federal laws, a bill is in the state Senate that would prohibit the use or possession of medical marijuana by legal cardholders on any school grounds, from preschool through college.
Rep. Amanda Reeve, R-Phoenix, introduced House Bill 2349 to guarantee schools were in compliance with federal laws, specifically the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Controlled Substances Act.
“If we are not compliant with those laws, the federal government can withhold funding or financial assistance to students,” Reeve said.
Anyone on a school campus, including students, teachers, school employees and visitors, would be subject to the law.
The bill passed the House 52-2 and was endorsed by the Senate Education Committee on Monday.
Reeve said she recognized some students have medicinal marijuana needs, but this bill is not targeting them. Instead, the bill is supposed to protect schools and guarantee that students do not distribute the drug illegally, she said.
“I know that there are people who have to take controlled substances for various reasons, and they just have to practice discretion and not take them on campus,” Reeve said.
Maria Farias, a criminal justice sophomore, said she believes the bill is a good regulation.
“If it’s medical, (cardholders) don’t have to do it at school. They can do it somewhere else,” she said.
Carolyn Short, chairwoman for Keep AZ Drug Free, applauded the state government for implementing regulations.
“(Legislators) are going to maintain drug-free college campuses and they’re not going to risk losing federal funding,” Short said.
Rep. Daniel Patterson, D-Tucson, said he believes the bill is unnecessary and that universities, not the state government, should handle any regulations.
“This is medical use,” Patterson said. “I haven’t heard of any laws banning prescription drugs.”
The Arizona Board of Regents, a governing board that oversees the three Arizona universities, maintained universities should remain drug free.
“The Arizona Board of Regents supports HB 2349 and will continue to enforce the laws set forth under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and Controlled Substance Act,” the organization said in a statement.
Contact the reporter at eeeaton@asu.edu
