From the Vice President for Finance and Management
Posted: Wednesday, April 14, 2021Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
As many of you know, Governor Cuomo signed into law the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) on March 31, legalizing the possession and use of marijuana by adult individuals in New York State. The act is complex, and effective dates for some provisions are not immediate.
We remind all members of the campus community that this new state law does not change the fact that marijuana and other drugs are still not permitted on the Buffalo State College campus. Policies prohibiting the use, possession, or sale of marijuana on SUNY campuses have not changed.
While the state law authorizing adult use of cannabis by those age 21 or older became effective immediately, SUNY remains bound by its federal requirements under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act (PDF, 134 KB).
Pursuant to these federal requirements and SUNY policy, the use, possession (in any form), cultivation, and sale of cannabis remain prohibited on SUNY campuses and subject to code of conduct or disciplinary actions.
This prohibition covers all SUNY property in public or in offices or residence halls, including university-owned and leased buildings, parking lots, and vehicles and at all SUNY events or while conducting university business, except for approved academic research.
SUNY System Administration and Buffalo State leadership are actively reviewing the provisions of the MRTA and will provide updates as information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation.
