Washington Schools Plan No Changes to Marijuana Policies

You would think it wasn't necessary, but the State Superintendent Randy Dorn felt the need to remind people that dope was still illegal in schools!

However, there actually was a valid reason for Dorn issuing a statement last week reminding citizens and students that despite the passage of I-502, marijuana is still prohibited in school, on school grounds, or at school-sanctioned activities.

According the the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, some people thought I-502 would allow people who possess a valid medical marijuana card to bring pot with them to school or on school grounds. That obviously is NOT the case.

Most of the school officials Dorn has spoken with have not reported any noticeable change in student behavior or in marijuana-related offenses since the passage of I-502. Dorn reinforced the official position of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction:

To receive federal funds, school districts must abide by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and must have a Drug and Tobacco-Free Workplace and a similar student policy in place. Each district’s policy has a number of common requirements about marijuana and other drugs, such as not allowing any student to:
Possess,
Distribute,
Manufacture or
Be under the influence.
Any student caught will be disciplined according to local district policy and local law enforcement as required. Fines can also be doubled if the arrest occurs within 1,000 feet of a school facility.

Yes, marijuana is still against federal law, and schools must adhere to those policies.