The University of California prohibits the use, possession and sale of marijuana in any form on all university property, including university-owned and leased buildings, housing and parking lots. Marijuana is also not permitted at university events or while conducting university business

On Nov. 8, 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64 legalizing the use of recreational marijuana among people over the age of 21. It is important to understand that Prop. 64 does not change UC policy; marijuana remains prohibited on all university property and at all university events, except for approved academic research.

Academic research involving marijuana may be conducted at the university to the extent authorized under both federal and state law; such research must be conducted in compliance with all applicable regulations and policies, including but not limited to federal registration and licensing requirements administered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and applicable to research use of controlled substances.

Notwithstanding Proposition 64, using, distributing and possessing marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The federal Controlled Substances Act criminalizes possession and distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, with a limited exception for certain federally approved research, The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act require that UC, as a recipient of federal funding, establish policies that prohibit marijuana use, possession and distribution on campus and in the workplace.

Violating the university’s policies may be grounds for discipline or corrective action, which may include required participation in a treatment program, with a maximum penalty of dismissal.