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Ohioans now have the opportunity to vote on Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 and older in Ohio.

Kent State Today spoke with Todd Kamenash, associate dean of students for conduct and community engagement, about the impact on the university's student conduct policy if Issue 2 is passed on November 7.  

“The university receives federal money, and for us to continue to receive federal money, we have to abide by federal laws,” Kamenash said. “So as long as cannabis is considered a controlled substance by federal law, then the university will not be able to approve of or recognize cannabis as something that’s allowable on campus.”  

Although Issue 2 may legalize the sale and usage of marijuana in the state, Kent State’s campuses will remain smoke-free.   

“If you’re a student, you still won’t be permitted to use on campus,” Kamenash said. “Holding or having it on your person on campus will not be any different today than it would be if it passes whenever enacted.”

Outcomes for student conduct cases vary and are dependent on the context of the situation, but Kent State focuses on education and restorative justice instead of punitive concepts, such as fines, Kamenesh said.

“I feel that some people are going to believe that with decriminalization it’s a free-for-all, and it’s not,” Kamenash said. “It won’t be looked at like that from the perspective of university administration.”  

Learn about Kent State’s Code of Student Conduct.