From: Academic Personnel and UW Human Resources
[mailto:uwhr@u.washington.edu]
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 12:27 AM
Subject: [UW Policy] Update on Initiative 502 – Use and Possession of
Marijuana
This message is being sent to all Faculty and Staff with approval from the
Office of the Vice President for Human Resources
Dear UW employees,
As most of you undoubtedly know, effective December 6, 2012, State
Initiative 502 (I-502) legalizes the possession of a small quantity of
marijuana by those 21 and over in Washington state. I-502 also revises the
laws regarding marijuana regulation and taxation, and the criminal and
civil penalties for the production, distribution, and possession of
marijuana.
However, I-502 continues to make it unlawful for anyone, whatever their
age, to open a package containing marijuana or consume marijuana in a
public place.
Notwithstanding I-502’s passage, it is critically important for UW
employees to understand that it is still a federal crime to possess and
use even small amounts of marijuana on or in any University facilities or
vehicles.
Further, as a recipient of federal funds, the UW must comply with the Safe
& Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act
which require that the UW maintain a drug-free campus. Failure to comply
with federal laws and regulations on marijuana possession and use on
campus jeopardizes the UW’s continued receipt of federal funds.
Accordingly, the passage of I-502 will not change the UW policies that
prohibit the production, distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on
University property or during University-sponsored activities. Violating
these policies may lead to sanctions under the applicable general code of
conduct or the University rules relating to your particular employment
status.
Also, under Federal regulations a number of University employees are
subject to drug and alcohol testing because of the type of work they
perform.
Testing positive for marijuana is a violation of these regulations and
will remain grounds for employment sanctions including termination, even
if the marijuana use occurred outside of work hours and otherwise in
accordance with state law.
Visit http://www.uw.edu/admin/rules/
University’s Drug & Alcohol Abuse Policy.
The resources listed below are available to assist employees who feel that
marijuana is causing problems either for themselves or their family
members.
UW RESOURCES
– UW CareLink, Faculty & Staff Assistance Program:
http://www.uw.edu/admin/hr/
– Hall Health Mental Health: http://depts.washington.edu/
– Psychological Services and Training Center
http://www.psych.uw.edu/psych.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
– Washington Recovery Help Line: 866-789-1511 (available 24/7) or
http://www.warecoveryhelpline.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Cameron, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel Mindy Kornberg, Vice
President for UW Human Resources
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
uwhr@u.washington.edu