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.
Possession of Marijuana
It is unlawful for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess cannabis/marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. Individuals who are found in possession of cannabis/marijuana will likely face criminal charges and a violation of the code of conduct. Charges for cannabis/marijuana possession include:
| Quantity | Charge | Jail Time | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 grams or less | Misdemeanor | 30 days | 0-$500 |
| Over 30 grams | Misdemeanor | 1 year | 0-$5,000 |
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
It is unlawful for a person to use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia that is used for packaging, manufacturing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of the Controlled Substances, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act of 1972.