Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act went into effect on May 17, 2016. However, recreational marijuana/cannabis and non-FDA approved medical marijuana/cannabis products remain prohibited controlled substances under federal law, and therefore the possession, cultivation, and use by individuals remain illegal under federal law.

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act conflicts with federal criminal laws governing controlled substances, as well as federal laws requiring institutions receiving federal funds, by grant or contract, to maintain drug-free campuses and workplaces.

Penn State receives federal funding that would be in jeopardy if those federal laws did not take precedence over state law. Therefore, the use, possession, and distribution of cannabis continues to violate applicable University policies. This includes medical marijuana (or medicinal cannabis) and synthetically-derived cannabis products such as Delta-8 and Delta-10. FDA approved drugs (e. g., Marinol®, Syndros®, Epidolex®) are permitted with a valid prescription.

Any student or employee who violates such policies may be subject to disciplinary action.