Arizonans Are Fighting the University of Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Ban

Veterans in Arizona are pushing back against the University of Arizona’s medical marijuana ban. As it stands now, the U of A police department will arrest medical marijuana patients.

A petition has been started on Change.org to stop medical marijuana patient arrests, according to 12 News. Two years after medical marijuana was legalized in Arizona, the State Legislature banned its use on college and university campuses. Medical marijuana patients commit a felony by using their medicine on campus grounds.

Veteran Dan Schmink said, “People truly don’t understand us. They don’t understand why we don’t want pills. Why should a university, which is supposed to be the progressive center of tomorrow, say ‘No’? It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Medical marijuana patients rely on their medication to help them get through their school classes on a daily basis. Universities are required to follow state law, so changes to the state law would have to be made before medical marijuana patients can legally have and use their medicine on campus.

Arizona State University also prohibits marijuana on their campuses. The ASU Police Department told 12 News, “Marijuana on campus is prohibited by state law and by federal laws. Students who commit violations of the Student Code of Conduct that involve marijuana are guided to substance abuse resources. They may be subject to disciplinary actions, ranging from probation to expulsion.”