Berklee's Policies Regarding Marijuana Use

Dear Berklee Community Members,

As you may be aware, Massachusetts voters recently approved “Question 4,” which resulted in the legalization of recreational marijuana. This new measure allows individuals who are 21 years of age or older to possess, consume, and cultivate marijuana in limited amounts. The new law went into effect on December 15, 2016.

Many people are wondering how, if at all, this new law affects Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee policies regarding marijuana use.

Students

Impact on Student Policy

While the law has changed in Massachusetts, Berklee policies remain unchanged. The use, possession, cultivation, or distribution of marijuana in Berklee housing, on Berklee property, or at Berklee-sponsored events and activities is prohibited.

As a reminder, the Berklee Student Code of Community Standards outlines our policies regarding drugs/controlled substances, as well as our smoking policies. Berklee is a smoke-free campus. We prohibit the use of tobacco and marijuana, including vaporizers.

The full code can be viewed online at berklee.edu/community-standards.

Federal Regulations

In addition to our Student Code of Community Standards, students are accountable for all local, state, and federal laws. Federal law and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act prohibit the use or possession of marijuana on college campuses. Violation can place an institution's federal funding at risk, including our financial aid options.

Health and Wellness

Most members of our community choose not to use marijuana. We encourage students to think about how marijuana may affect their health, academic performance, and relationships, in addition to considering policy and legal implications.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about marijuana, alcohol, or other drug use, we offer a variety of confidential and non-judgmental educational and support programs.

Faculty and Staff

Impact on Employee Policy

The new Marijuana Act does not require Massachusetts employers to tolerate use, possession, or being under the influence of marijuana in the workplace. The Act explicitly provides as follows:

Employment. This chapter shall not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this chapter in the workplace and shall not affect the authority of employers to enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana by employees.

The use, possession, cultivation, or distribution of marijuana in Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory workspaces, on Berklee property, or at Berklee-sponsored events and activities is prohibited.

As a reminder, the Standards of Conduct Policy, HR Policy 1.05 outlines our expectations regarding drugs/controlled substances. The College and the Conservatory are smoke-free campuses.

We encourage all faculty and staff to consider the effects of any controlled substance to their health and work performance in addition to considering policy and legal implications.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about marijuana, alcohol, or other drug use, we offer confidential resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can find more detailed information about services provided through the EAP.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Legalization in Massachusetts

Can I bring marijuana to work?

No. You may not bring it to work or have it in your possession on campus or at any Berklee programs activities or events, and if you do you will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

Can I come to work under the influence of marijuana?

No. You may not come to work or any Berklee events under the influence of marijuana and if you do you will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

Does the legalization of marijuana in Massachusetts change Berklee’s policies or procedures?

No. Berklee’s Standards of Conduct Policy remains the same. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and its use is still prohibited under Berklee policy.

Our Student Code of Community Standards and Standards of Conduct Policy are for your benefit as well as the institution's benefit. Expectations in those policies embody Berklee's aspiration to foster and promote a safe and healthy environment in which to learn and work. Your compliance is expected and required so that we may have a substance-free workplace and learning environment. If you have any questions regarding this notice or Berklee’s Student Code of Community Standards or Standards of Conduct Policy, please contact:

Students: Student Affairs, 617-747-2231

Employees: Human Resources, 617-747-2375

Thank you,

Dr. Christopher Kandus-Fisher
Vice President of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion
Chief Equity Officer

Eileen Alviti
Vice President of Human Resources