For student-athletes, college is a crucial step toward a professional career. But moving up to the collegiate level is a major adjustment—balancing demanding class and workout schedules, meeting NCAA requirements, and navigating strict codes of conduct.
These pressures can sometimes lead student-athletes to seek ways to unwind, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential consequences.
Even in D.C., where recreational marijuana is legal for adults, violating your college’s drug policy could jeopardize your scholarship and athletic eligibility.
At DC Student Defense, we help student-athletes understand the rules and protect their athletic future. Learn more about the potential consequences of marijuana possession and what steps to take if you face this situation by reading the full article.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession on Campus
Every college has its own set of rules regarding marijuana use, and the penalties can vary throughout. While recreational use of marijuana is growing in legalization in many states, it is considered a classified Schedule I drug by the federal government.
Colleges will be taking a legal risk if they allow marijuana use on campus, as they could potentially lose the federal funding that so many students (including student-athletes) often depend on for their education.
Penalties for getting caught with weed can include:
- Loss of Campus Housing
- Suspension
- Probation
- Fines
- Mandatory Drug Programs
- Expulsion
- Loss of Financial Aid
Can I Smoke Weed on Campus with a Medical Marijuana Card?
You might have or be looking to obtain your medical marijuana card to help with issues such as:
- Pain Management
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Other health concerns
Though you might have a valid medical prescription, most colleges maintain a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana use.
Colleges have the authority to set their own drug-related rules, regardless of the state laws of Washington, D.C. But, despite the right of universities to penalize students for the use of medical marijuana, legal challenges to these policies are still possible.
Protecting Your Career from Marijuana Use
When it comes to the use of marijuana on campus, knowledge is a crucial part of ensuring you perform your best. Here’s how you can protect yourself from any potential issues:
- Know the Rules: Understanding your college’s policies will help you avoid penalties for possessing marijuana. Research the NCAA’s drug testing policy, its consequences, and your campus policies, as these two might differ.
- Don’t Use It: The best way to avoid any issues with your college is to refrain from using marijuana.
- Seek Legal Help: If you find yourself accused of using, having, or dealing marijuana, your first step should be to reach out to a legal professional who has experience both defending drug charges and students. Seeking a student defense attorney will be the best option to help you maneuver your legal issues and protect your rights as a student.
The NCAA’s Stance on Marijuana
Starting in June of 2024, the NCAA committee no longer considers marijuana and other cannabis-related products as a banned drug for postseason and Division I championships. The NCAA understands the changing impressions of marijuana and wants to focus on the issues of drugs that pose a threat to enhancing an athlete’s performance; marijuana does not pose that threat.
Though the NCAA recently updated its policies on marijuana as a banned drug, the rules and regulations of your college campus remain. The NCAA standards take over post-season.
Contact the Student Defense Lawyers at DC Student Defense
The complexities of the laws surrounding marijuana can be confusing to follow when comparing them to the policies of different college campuses as well as the NCAA. Being caught with possession of marijuana or use of marijuana can be frightening and intimidating if you are not aware of your rights. But DC Student Defense is here for you.
Schedule an appointment for a consultation at our website https://dcstudentdefense.com/schedule-an-appointment/ or call 855-965-3253 to discuss your case and how we can help.
