Cannabis Policies
On January 1, 2020, the possession, recreational use and sell of cannabis in Illinois became legal. Despite this change in state law, Saint Xavier University remains a drug-free campus. It will remain unlawful to possess, use or sell cannabis in any form on the SXU campus. We must abide by the rules in the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
January 1, 2020
No. The use of recreational or medicinal cannabis, in any form, will remain prohibited by University policy and federal law. SXU's policies will not change as a result of the new legislation.
No. Federal regulations do not allow SXU students, faculty, staff or visitors to possess and/or use cannabis on campus under any circumstance, regardless of medicinal status.
Yes. SXU will not permit the possession and/or use of cannabis on University property. As a higher education institution, property owner and recipient of federal funds, SXU has not only the authority, but legal obligation to prohibit cannabis on campus and at university events. Students, faculty and staff who violate these policies are subject to disciplinary proceedings.
Federal law prohibiting cannabis preempts state laws attempting to legalize the drug. The possession, use and distribution of cannabis is still illegal and subject to prosecution under federal law, regardless of what state laws permit and regardless of whether the federal government chooses to actively enforce federal law in those states that have legalized recreational cannabis use.
According to Mayo Clinic Proceedings, cannabis can stay in your urine for three to 30 days -- sometimes longer for chronic users. Cannabis can be detected in your blood system for 1-2 days, but there are reports of it staying in your blood stream for 25 days or longer. (Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, 2004)
Yes. Just like other substances that can be legally purchased, such as alcohol and tobacco, there are potential health risks when using cannabis.
- Brain development continues until age 25, and studies have shown that cannabis use can hinder this development. Cannabis use, especially when done frequently, can impair short-term memory development and ability to learn.
- Consuming too much cannabis can cause hallucinations, paranoia, increased heart rate, confusion, poor judgment, panic attacks, nausea and vomiting. Cannabis potency is three times what it was 25 years ago and therefore users must start with a low dose and increase slowly. This is especially important when eating cannabis, as the full effects of the drug may not be felt for 2-4 hours after ingestion.
- Driving while high is dangerous and illegal. Cannabis, like alcohol, can cause impairment and should not be used prior to operating a vehicle.
- Vaping THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, is linked to the current outbreak of e-cigarette associated severe lung injury (EVALI). The CDC and FDA recommend that people should not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products.
For more facts about cannabis, see Cannabis Facts Chicago and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.