As senior staff
members, we not only
need to know the law,
but we must be able
to speak comfortably
about it when challenged.
mentions marijuana and clearly spells out what sanctions students can expect when they are caught smoking it. This topic
should be explicitly mentioned in every orientation program.
Staff members, from resident assistants to SSAOs, must be
trained to respond to students (with marijuana fumes wafting
off their clothes) who argue, “Why do we even have a policy
about this?”
➤ Provide resources for recovery. In addition to
highlighting Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous,
Moderation Management, and other recovery meetings, are
you also identifying local Marijuana Anonymous meetings
for your community? Many people are surprised to learn that
this group exists. A listing of local meetings can be found at
www.marijuana-anonymous.org. Some would argue that the
stigma around recovery from marijuana use differs from that
surrounding alcohol and other drugs. Providing a forum for
community members to explore a more tailored form of recovery (whether Marijuana Anonymous meetings or your own
health services-sponsored group) can be an extraordinarily
effective strategy to support students seeking to make
a change.
➤ Recognize opportunities for dialogue. Always look
for opportunities to engage members of your campus community on the topic of marijuana use. Students are exponentially
more willing to have a conversation about marijuana use than
other drug use, and these conversations often prove to be solid
launching grounds for discourse on social issues on campus.
With a conversational grasp of the law, clearly articulated
policies, and options for marijuana-specific recovery, these
opportunities for dialogue can result in a campus climate in
which the topics of health and safety remain paramount. LE
Ken Schneck is dean of students at Marlboro College.
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