The Oklahoma State Legislature’s decision to approve the rules and regulations of State Question 788 has caused universities across the state to grapple with future policies concerning medical marijuana.
According to State Question 788, Oklahoma residents with medical marijuana licenses will be able to carry up to three ounces of marijuana on their person and legally possess six mature marijuana plants. The Oklahoma State Department of Health will review all medicinal marijuana applications.
“The Oklahoma State Departments of health shall review the medical marijuana application, approve/reject the application and mail the applicant’s approval or rejection letter,” the bill said. “Approved applicants will be issued a medical marijuana license, which will act as proof of their approved status.”
While legal on a state level, marijuana remains a federal offense. Because Oklahoma Christian University receives federal funding, Chief of Campus Police Greg Giltner said the university is unlikely to change its policies on marijuana or smoking of any kind.
“Our campus right now is not going to allow tobacco products or any type of a smoking avenue,” Giltner said. “Probably more importantly, with us using federal money, federal funds, it’s still a federal violation to have possession of marijuana. So, until they get that portion of the law fixed, it’s never going to happen here.”
Oklahoma Christian Vice President and General Counsel Stephen Eck echoed Giltner’s statement saying Oklahoma Christian’s acceptance of federal funding prevents the possibility of allowing medical marijuana on campus.
“Oklahoma Christian University students receive federal financial aid through various Title IV loan or grant programs,” Eck said. “One of the promises that Oklahoma Christian University must make to the United States Department of Education every two years, in order for students to receive these funds, is that OC will comply with federal laws, including the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Controlled Substances Act.”
The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University released a statement declaring their legal obligation to prohibit medical marijuana on their campuses.
Tulsa World notes the lack of University policies present in State Question 788. This causes universities in Oklahoma to look to their own legal counsel for advice regarding the issue.
According to Giltner, Oklahoma Christian will not allow medical marijuana on campus even if prescribed by a physician.
“Once the conflict is resolved and marijuana can be legally possessed, legally grown within so many ounces, transported, I personally don’t ever see that happening on this campus,” Giltner said. “My honest opinion in talking with the general counsel, our stance at this point on medical marijuana is that if a student really needs that, it’s not going to be allowed on this campus.”
Because federal and state laws are in conflict, the legal situation makes it difficult for Oklahoma Christian to consider allowing medical marijuana, Eck said.
“It would not be wise for Oklahoma Christian to allow marijuana on campus, regardless of whether it is used medicinally,” Eck said. “This is simply a legal justification. More importantly, though, is the fact that it is just not wise or healthy for individuals to consume.”
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