Alcohol and Cannabis Policy

Although marijuana (cannabis) is legal under certain conditions in the state of Arizona, it is not legal under federal law. To ensure compliance with federal law, Maricopa Community Colleges will not post internship or work opportunities at companies that may possess or come into contact with marijuana products. Additionally, Maricopa Community Colleges will not support internships for credit or non-credit where a student may come into contact with marijuana products (including work with a company's clients, attendance at marijuana conventions, etc.).

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act 1989 (DFSCA) provides, "as a condition of receiving funds or any form of financial assistance under any Federal program, an Institution of Higher Education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students and employees." Further, under the DFSCA, Institutions of Higher Education must employ "standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of its activities.” Therefore, businesses that directly work with marijuana in any form would fall under the DFSCA, as marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug. The Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to the ongoing protection of student access and eligibility for federal financial aid.

Research projects involving the medicinal use of marijuana must comply with A.R.S. § 15-108(A).