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Pot.jpg
Federal laws against marijuana trump Washington's new pot legislation on college and university campuses. Possessing and using marijuana remains illegal at UW, WSU, and other institutions that receive federal funding. (AP/Richard M. Hackett photo)

Hold on dude, marijuana will still be illegal at UW and WSU

December 3, 2012 @ 3:30 pm (Updated: 7:54 am - 12/4/12 )

College-age voters were among those who helped the state legalize possession of an ounce of marijuana for those over 21. But sorry dudes you can't smoke or possess pot on campuses even after the law kicks in Thursday.

"On campus it will still be illegal to possess or consume any amount of marijuana," says Norm Arkans, a spokesperson for the University of Washington.

Since the UW accepts federal funding, federal laws apply there. The feds frown on pot.

The UW will remain a drug-free campus that continues the no smoking policy in school buildings and dorms.

Arkans says the UW is sending an email notice to students reminding them they need to follow federal laws regarding marijuana use.

"There's no question that students get here and find that you can have access to marijuana and experiment with it," says Arkans, "but the drug of choice on a college campus is still alcohol and we're more concerned about the abuse of alcohol."

A national study finds one-third of Washington's young adults ages 18 to 25 have used marijuana in the past year.

While the Seattle City Attorney has said police will no longer be going after people who use small amounts of marijuana, UW police will not look the other way.

They will continue to cite students for code of conduct violations. What's at risk? Possibly losing federal student loans or scholarships.

Students who are caught with large amounts of marijuana could be expelled.

UW Police Commander Steve Rittereiser says they'll have to change the way they handle pot possession or distribution crimes.

Normally a student would be prosecuted through King County. With the county relaxing its efforts to go after minor drug crimes, the UW will have to handle those cases.

A Washington State University spokesman says nothing will change in Pullman. In order to allow cannabis, WSU would have to reject federal funding and that's not going to happen.

With hours to go before the new law takes effect, a member of the "No on 502" group has filed a lawsuit in Thurston County seeking to have the initiative voided.

A hearing on the lawsuit has been scheduled for Friday, just after the new law takes effect.

Pot proponents are planning to celebrate the new law with a "smoke-in" at Seattle Center.

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (26)


  • Add A Comment

  • TwoTrees wrote...
    Great initiative, Burn Notice...
    December 4, 2012 9:12 am
    I'm going to be hitting the toker breakfast crowd with my 'Doobie Doughnuts.'
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Pete in Seattle wrote...
    Smoking...
    December 4, 2012 9:22 am
    ... anything is still illegal in many public places - such as bars and restaurants. I would think that includes MJ as well as tobacco. I'm not sure what the law would be for chewing, unless the wad is spit out on the ground instead of into a proper receptacle.
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  • Cash wrote...
    Gross
    December 4, 2012 9:25 am
    That photo is disgusting and looks really healthy...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • GoldFish wrote...
    UW police are full of it.
    December 4, 2012 9:29 am
    Im a UW student and we all know they never do anything about marijuana use. People literally stand outside and smoke while the police are watching and they never do anything. Ive seen people take bongs outside and the police drive by and don't even take a second look. The UW police are a bunch of wimps, everyone knows it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • flipper wrote...
    Drug Free Campus?
    December 4, 2012 10:42 am
    "The UW will remain a drug-free campus that continues the no smoking policy in school buildings and dorms." I wonder if they have a no drinking policy as well? Seems like they're saying alcohol isn't a drug but that Marijuana and Tobacco are. Interesting. Maybe we should be writing DUI tickets for chain smoking tobacco cigarette smokers?
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  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    It's illegal "federally" so on the campus the "feds" will have to prosecute.
    December 4, 2012 11:01 am
    I don't think "U.W administration" is going to get the feds involved.Nice Bluff.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chris Halliday wrote...
    Nothing has changed
    December 4, 2012 12:36 pm
    Out of principle I totally agree with the legalization of pot and all other drugs for that matter. The funny thing is, legal or not, there will be no increase or decrease in the amount of people who do drugs. That held true when I was a teen in the 80's and it holds true today. If you want drugs, you'll find them and that's just the way it is.
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  • duh wrote...
    so many comments, but they all miss the mark
    December 4, 2012 8:05 pm
    why is no one questioning the fact that pot is illegal under the commerce clause (yea the same one they contorted for implementation of obamacare). Are you all afraid that the house of cards that make up America's drug code will fall to peices, and you may have a truly free country once again?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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