1. Campus Life
  2. Campus Safety
  3. Drug Free Campus

Drug Free Campus

The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College is opposed to the possession and use of unlawful drugs.  Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, Rio has adopted and implemented policies and programs designed to identify and address drug and alcohol problems within the university setting. 

All University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College students and employees are expected to abide by institutional policies.  Anyone found to be in possession of or illegally using drugs or alcohol may be subject to appropriate sanctions. 

While both medical and recreational marijuana are now legalized under Ohio law, they remain illegal under federal law. Further, the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires Rio to establish and maintain policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, illicit drugs, and controlled substances as part of its responsibility to maintain a drug-free community. 

Under federal law, cannabis is still considered a controlled substance; therefore, the use or storage of medical and/or recreational marijuana by students, faculty, staff and visitors remains prohibited: 

 

  • On all property or buildings, including residence halls, owned, leased, operated, controlled or managed by Rio, including all campuses.

  • During all University-sponsored activities and programs, both on-campus and off-campus, under any circumstance.

Personal possession and use of cannabis under certain circumstances for those over the age of 21 is now allowed in the State of Ohio. However, as required by federal law, The University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College policy on cannabis will not change.

No matter your age, you cannot use or possess any form of cannabis, including recreational or medical cannabis, anywhere on URG property or at University-sponsored activities. This means no vaporizers, no edibles, and no smoking. The use and/or possession of cannabis on-campus remains a violation of the Community Code.