Medical Marijuana FAQ's

Medical Marijuana FAQ's

Medical Marijuana FAQ's

Medical Marijuana
Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Jersey’s medical marijuana law?

The "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” (CUMMA) allows the regulated use of medical marijuana in the State of New Jersey. It establishes a system for Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) to distribute marijuana to qualified patients.

Patients suffering from certain conditions (as defined in the Act) can obtain an ID/registration card by receiving a recommendation (not prescription) from a registered Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) physician with whom they have a “bona fide” relationship. This recommendation must then be presented, along with a registration fee, to the New Jersey Department of Health who will decide whether or not to issue an ID/registration card. The ID/registration card allows the user to purchase certain amounts of marijuana at ATCs. ID/registration cards must be renewed every two years. The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act does not relieve the ATCs, employees of an ATC, and patients from criminal prosecution or civil penalties for activities not authorized by the Act.  Public consumption and impaired driving are still not permitted under the Act.

Additional information from the New Jersey Department of Health about the Medical Marijuana Program can be found here: https://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/

Can anyone obtain a medical marijuana ID/registration card?

No. Individuals who wish to use medical marijuana must have a recommendation from a qualified doctor and apply to the state. Only individuals who are approved will get an ID/registration card saying they are enrolled in the program.

Why does Rowan prohibit the use and/or possession of medical marijuana on its campuses?

Rowan is subject to the Controlled Substances Act, a federal law which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug.  Accordingly, the use, possession, cultivation, or sale of marijuana violates federal policy. Importantly, federal grants are subject to Rowan’s compliance with the Drug Free Communities and Schools Act, and the Drug Free Workplace Act, which also prohibit the university from allowing any form of marijuana use on campus.

Thus, although students, staff, and faculty who legally obtain a medical marijuana ID/registration card from the New Jersey Department of Health are allowed to possess and consume certain quantities of marijuana, doing so is not permitted on Rowan’s property or at university-sponsored events (either on or off campus).

If I am a student, staff or faculty member at Rowan, should I contact anyone if I legally obtain a medical marijuana ID/registration card in New Jersey?

As noted above, the use and/or possession of medical marijuana on Rowan’s campuses is prohibited.  Therefore, any student, staff or faculty member who legally obtains a medical marijuana ID/registration card should contact the Academic Success Center – Accessibility Services (students) or the Office of Equity and Diversity (staff/faculty) if s/he wishes to discuss any possible on-campus accommodations (excluding the ability to use or possess medical marijuana on Rowan property). 

What happens if I am a student, staff or faculty member at Rowan who has legally obtained a medical marijuana ID/registration card, and am caught using or possessing medical marijuana on Campus or during a Rowan-sponsored event?

For the reasons addressed above, Rowan does not condone the use, possession, distribution or sale of marijuana (including medical marijuana) on Rowan’s property (including affiliated housing) or at university-sponsored events (either on or off campus).  Thus, anyone caught using or possessing marijuana on Campus (including affiliated housing) or during a university-sponsored event – even if the individual has a legally obtained medical marijuana ID/registration card, and it is being used for medical purposes – will be subject to enforcement and adjudication in accordance with Rowan’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any applicable local, State and Federal laws.  Accordingly, the use or possession of marijuana (including medical marijuana) on Rowan’s property (including affiliated housing) or at university-sponsored events may result in, among other penalties, confiscation and destruction of the marijuana/marijuana paraphernalia, arrest, fines, loss of housing without refund, termination of employment, mandatory assignment to substance counseling, suspension and/or expulsion.