As we are getting further into the Spring 2023 semester, here at Missouri State University, we want to remind students of some important campus policies. Particularly, as the state of Missouri has recently passed new legislation regarding recreational marijuana use, we wanted to highlight University procedures surrounding marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia are not allowed on the MSU campus whatsoever. This includes even if individuals possess a medical card. Marijuana is not federally legalized and MSU is a federally funded institution. Therefore, marijuana in any form cannot be stored on campus including in residence halls or even within vehicles on campus, cannot be consumed in any manner on campus property including parking lots, and cannot be distributed on campus for any reason. The current narcotics policy, which is included below and can also be found in detail on the MSU website, still stands. Students will face consequences if found responsible for a policy violation and those consequences have the potential to increase with each violation thereafter.  

The Missouri State University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities outlines the campus policy on narcotics in Section 4.10. It prohibits the “Use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances, or related Paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by Federal law, or public intoxication on University Premises. Including the use of prescription medications without proper prescription or used counter to the directions of a valid prescription. Additionally, the misuse of any products for the purposes of obtaining a similar effect as illegal drugs.” 

Please keep this policy and other policies outlined by the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities in mind as the semester continues. These policies are ultimately in place to protect the well-being of the overall campus community.