Medical marijuana prohibited on campus
Marisol Ponce, staff writer

It seems as though there is an ever increasing number of incidents involving marijuana usage on SSU campus. It's unclear, however, how much of this was under the guise that medical marijuana was allowed on campus.

In November of 1996 56 percent of California voters passed Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. This proposition implements the legalization of medical marijuana for seriously ill patients. This applies to illnesses from cancer and AIDS to back problems, arthritis and even chronic migraines as long as it is doctor recommended.

So what about here at SSU? One student states, “I figured that it was legal to have on campus if you had a 215 card." According to Chief of Police, Nate Johnson, this is not the case.

SSU is an educational facility that is federally funded. Proposition 215 did pass on a local state level, but did not pass on a federal level. This has caused a great deal of controversy for the state of California. All CSU campuses are required to abide by the federal Safe and Drug Free Committees Act.

Johnson said, "It was a big problem the first year... If we find it and it's the first time, we usually give them a warning."
However, consequences vary on a case-by-case basis.

One SSU student who is a 215 card carrier, but lives off-campus said, "Do they know me? Do they know my personal health record? That is between my doctor and myself." When asked how he feels about his marijuana use since recieving the 215 card, he said, "I feel more safe. I feel more comfortable." This feeling of security, though, only applies to those who are not on campus.

What does this mean for those on campus? Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and cultivation of marijuana is a felony. One student said, "I dont think it's a good idea to allow marijuana on campus. It will just make it more easily accesable to those who dont have a valid reason for its use. If they really need to be smoking, they can do it off campus."

Regardless of the passions and opinions of the SSU community, the illegality of marijuana on campus still stands. If a student is convicted of a felony they run the high risk of having their federal student aid taken away.

For those who are in favor of Prop 215, hope is not lost. Card carriers on and off campus have still been arrested due to police not accepting the validity of an individuals needs and things of that nature.

State Supreme court trial, People vs. Mower, declared on July 18, 2002 that patients have just as much a right to use marijuana as they do any other kind of perscription drug. This means that those who have been previously arrested can file to dismiss all charges.

Another decision in Raich vs Ashcroft in July 2004 protects Proposition 215 patients against federal prosecution. This is currently being appealed under the U.S Supreme Court and a decision is expected to be made in the spring of this year. Until then federal law still prohibits it.

For more information on this matter you can go to www.canorml.com.