We’ve all smelled cannabis on campus before. Even though adults over 21 have been able to legally use it in Chicago since 2020, DePaul must follow the federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Communities Act, which prohibits medical and recreational cannabis anywhere on campus.

Medical users should be able to use cannabis on campus without fear. But where do recreational users fit into this? Some students say they have been able to use it recreationally on campus without backlash.

David, a film and television major whose last name is not included because he is underage, said he has never seen consequences for using cannabis on campus.

“I don’t think it’s enforced greatly because I have personally walked around our campus and have smoked and no one has batted an eye,” David said.

There seems to be a disconnect between how DePaul wants its students to handle cannabis and how it’s actually used. In theory, drugs should have no place in a space where most of the student body is under age 21. 

However, college is a crucial point in our lives where our beliefs about the world are being shaped through our experiences. We’re all figuring things out. Students will use drugs regardless of whether they’re on or off campus. 

Don Opitz, an associate professor and director of DePaul’s cannabis studies program, said “students are doing what students do.”

Opitz said he struggles with the idea of medical cannabis being prohibited in federal campus policy.

“I do hope to see a day when medical marijuana will be OK to have on campus, as long as there’s certain guidelines to prevent misuse,” Opitz said. “Addiction to marijuana is a real thing.”

For that reason, DePaul’s health and wellness program has a dedicated page that provides information about cannabis, including a self-assessment quiz and what to do if you overuse or you have a dependency.

Jackson, a DePaul junior who asked to use his first name only because he fears hurting future employment opportunities, thinks current enforcement is appropriate.

“It’s probably not enforced to the extent that it could be, but I think that’s a good thing,” Jackson said. 

Cannabis studies have gained traction since the substance was legalized in many states, spreading to universities across the U.S. 

Opitz said his program is progressive compared to other curriculum at the university.

“DePaul being a Catholic institution, even though we’re a liberal Catholic institution, is fairly conservative when it comes to its academic curriculum. So, this is pushing the boundaries within DePaul,” he said of his program.

Paragraph 2291 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the use of drugs as a “grave offense” except when used for therapeutic purposes.

By opening up academic conversation about cannabis use, DePaul is breaking new ground as a Catholic university and teaching Catholics that cannabis should not be villainized. 

Experimenting with drugs is a part of coming-of-age for some college students, though not all. Curiosity is natural when thinking about cannabis. 

I believe all students should have the chance to make mistakes and try new things. The best way to learn how to properly interact with substances, such as cannabis, is to use them in a controlled environment with knowledge and resources available.

David’s own connection to the drug has been rocky, but he was able to limit his use once he realized there was a problem.

“During a quarter here, I realized that I was overusing cannabis and cut down and recognized that it wasn’t a good thing for me at that time,” David said. “I think even though it is sometimes overused on campus by students, it is necessary for them to grow.”

As long as students aren’t disturbing the peace and are being mindful of secondhand smoke, they should be able to use it on campus, particularly if they are medical users.

For students over the age of 21 who wish to participate in 420, Opitz has this advice for how to make the best of your experience.

“Don’t do it on campus. Be of age,” Opitz said. “I think it’s great to do it in the company of others. It makes a more fun experience. Listen to good music. Turn on Bob Marley.

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