Recreational Cannabis FAQs

The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act (NJCREAMMA) (N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31 et seq.) legalizes the purchase, possession, and use of up to one ounce of cannabis (or the equivalent amount of cannabis products) for individuals twenty-one years of age and over in New Jersey.

Accordingly, it is illegal for anyone under the age of twenty-one to purchase, possess, or use cannabis or cannabis products. Violations are addressed through a non-criminal warning system and fines.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s regulations (N.J.A.C. 17:30-1.1 et seq.) adopted in August 2021 establish the recreational cannabis industry in the state.

What does New Jersey law (NJCREAMMA) say about cannabis and institutions of higher education?

Recreational cannabis consumption is prohibited at institutions of higher education under NJCREAMMA. Specifically, the NJCREAMMA prohibits the consumption of any cannabis item available for lawful consumption “in any area of any building of, on the grounds of, or in any facility owned, leased or controlled by any public or private institution of higher education or related entity thereof, regardless of whether the area or facility is an indoor place or is outdoors.”

What federal laws address cannabis and higher education institutions?

Cannabis is prohibited on campus under federal law. Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that, with limited exceptions, its manufacture, distribution, and possession is a federal crime (See 21 U.S.C.§§ 812(c), 841(a)(1), 844(a)). Additionally, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program (DAAPP) (See 20 U.S.C. § 1011i). The Drug Free Workplace Act (DFWA) requires certain entities, including post-secondary schools, receiving federal contracts of $250,000 or more, or a federal grant of any amount, to make good faith efforts to prohibit the manufacture, use, and distribution of controlled substances in the workplace (See 41 U.S.C. §§ 8102-8103.).

In summary, what is the legal status of cannabis on University property?

Under the law, as well as University policy, RRR 1.6.1 “Drugs,” cannabis is prohibited on University property.

Can I use cannabis off University property?

Federal law prohibits the possession and use of cannabis on University property or as part of any of the University’s activities.

Otherwise, you are responsible for determining what is legal/illegal or otherwise permitted/prohibited off University property. However, generally, the purchase, possession, and use of up to one ounce of cannabis (or the equivalent amount of cannabis products) for individuals twenty-one years of age and over in New Jersey is legal. Accordingly, it is illegal for anyone under the age of twenty-one to purchase, possess, or use cannabis or cannabis products. Violations are addressed through a non-criminal warning system and fines.

The municipality of Princeton and other municipalities have discretion to regulate in certain areas, such as growing, selling, and consuming cannabis products within the municipality. Right now, the municipality of Princeton has opted out of permitting growing and selling within its borders.

Smoking, vaping or aerosolizing any cannabis item in any public space (indoors or outdoors) is prohibited by the New Jersey statute, except in designated consumption areas, even if the smoking of tobacco is otherwise permitted in that place pursuant to New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-10a(c)).

Private property owners (e.g., landlord, store owners) can prohibit or otherwise regulate consumption of cannabis items on or in their property.

Is cannabis permitted at University-sponsored events off University property?

No. Cannabis is prohibited by law and University policy at all University-sponsored events, including events held off University property.

If I am a student under the age of twenty-one; what happens if I possess cannabis on University property?

Progressive discipline may result for violations of the University’s policy regarding cannabis contained in RRR 1.6.1 https://rrr.princeton.edu/node/46#comp161. Progressive discipline may start with a reprimand, followed by disciplinary probation, and then penalties issued by the Committee on Discipline (e.g., suspension) for subsequent violations by undergraduates. Graduate students are subject to the Graduate School’s progressive discipline process.
The Department of Public Safety may enforce violations of the state law by issuing non-criminal warnings to students under the age of twenty-one.

If I am an international student, what do I need to understand about cannabis and immigration law?

Federal law prohibits the use or possession of marijuana (and does not distinguish between marijuana and cannabis). Because immigration regulations are part of federal law, if you are not a U.S. citizen, violations of federal law, including marijuana use or possession, can affect your immigration status. This is true even if the marijuana use or possession was permitted under state law and the person was never convicted of a crime. Port of entry officials may ask about marijuana use. Cannabis/marijuana possession and activity by students who are not U.S. Citizens (e.g., legal permanent residents, international visa holders, undocumented individuals, etc.) can result in: revocation of status, deportation, denial of entry into the U.S., and inability to obtain future immigration benefits. All ports of entry into the U.S., including international terminals at airports, are on federal property where immigration laws are strictly enforced.

Is cannabis permitted in the eating clubs?

No. The eating clubs are required to comply with University policy under the University’s Service Agreement with the clubs.

If I am a student, can I be disciplined for possessing/using cannabis in the eating clubs?

Yes. The University’s discipline policy applies to conduct or behavior occurring in the eating clubs.

If I am an employee, what happens if I possess cannabis on University property?

Progressive discipline may result for violations of the University’s policy regarding cannabis contained in RRR 1.6.1 https://rrr.princeton.edu/node/46#comp161

The University may enforce violations of the state law by issuing non-criminal warnings to employees under the age of twenty-one and monetary fines to employees who are twenty-one years of age or older.

If I am an employee, what happens if I am under the influence of cannabis at work?

Managers should refer employees suspected to be impaired at work to Occupational Health Services. Employees will be accompanied by their manager or proxy to Occupational Health Services for evaluation. Employees in federally-regulated safety-sensitive transportation positions (HR 5.2.9 Controlled Substances & Alcohol Use & Testing Policy) also may be referred for drug testing. Documentation from the evaluation will be kept confidential in accordance with University policy.

If I am a supervisor, what happens if I suspect that an employee is impaired at work?

The supervisor should contact Occupational Health Services (609-258-5035) during business hours (weekdays, 8:00am -4:15pm). The supervisor or proxy shall accompany the employee with a suspected or reported impairment to OHS during business hours. The OHS clinician shall be informed of the specific impairment or behavior of concern.

If I am an employee, how will I be transported home if impaired?

A family member or friend can pick up the employee, or they can use the University’s Lyft service for a ride home.

If I am an employee or student, over twenty-one, and live in University-owned rental property buildings, can I have cannabis in that property?

No. Cannabis is prohibited in student, faculty and staff rental property owned or controlled by the University under University policy and the law.

Can visitors to the University property possess cannabis?

No. Visitors are obligated to comply with the law, as well as University policy, which prohibits cannabis on University property.

Does medical amnesty for violations of University policy apply to cannabis use?

Princeton’s priority is the well-being of our students and the University community. To encourage reports of students/employees needing medical attention, the University may offer leniency with respect to other violations which may come to light as a result of such reports, depending on the circumstances involved.

Where can I find information regarding the physical and mental effects of cannabis?

See https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-resources/cannabis

If I want to talk to someone about cannabis substance use, who can I contact?

Students:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at UHS offers confidential consultations, time-limited therapy, and referrals for mental health and substance abuse concerns. 609-258-3141. Students are also welcome to speak to anyone at UHS, and the conversation will be confidential.
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students (“BASICS”) Program - BASICS offers the opportunity for students to have a confidential conversation with a health educator about cannabis use. 609-258-5743
UHS Medical Services - 609-258-3141

Employees:

Carebridge Counseling Services (“Carebridge”) - Carebridge offers the opportunity for employees to have a confidential conversation with a licensed professional regarding cannabis use. (800) 437-0911

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