Drug-Free Policies
Ohio State is a drug-free environment to provide for the health and safety of the university community. The university complies with local, state and federal laws regarding the sale, possession, unlawful manufacture and consumption of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs and controlled substances.
Prevention Education and Resources
Assistance is available both on campus and off campus for students and employees who are dependent on, or who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
Students
All first year and transfer undergraduate students are required to complete online educational modules about alcohol and other drug misuse prevention, mental wellness and prescription drug misuse. The training module is available on BuckeyeLearn.
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention at the Office of Student Life Student Wellness Center uses several approaches to address drug and alcohol misuse. Learn more about education and prevention services by visiting the website.
Employees
Employees have access to resources through the Employee Assistance Program at 800-678-6265, or by visiting the Health Plan website.
Additional resources for substance abuse and dependency available to students and employees are available here.
Support
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery provides tools, training and technical assistance to professionals across the country working to address collegiate substance misuse. More information is available at the center’s website.
Marijuana Legalization
Ohioans voted in November 2023 to legalize possession and use of marijuana for people aged 21 and older in Ohio. Although the law went into effect on December 7, 2023, Ohio State students, faculty and staff remain subject to federal law and university policy that prohibit possession or use of marijuana on Ohio State property.
Marijuana continues to be illegal under federal law. Because Ohio State receives federal funding, it is required to comply with all federal laws which prohibit possession, use or distribution of marijuana in relation to any university activity, including research. Possession of marijuana – even if obtained legally under Ohio law – is prohibited in or on all university-owned, operated or leased property. This includes residence halls and other university housing, offices, university-managed properties and all Wexner Medical Center facilities.
Federal law will continue to require a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Schedule 1 research license for any research involving marijuana. Marijuana obtained for research must come from a DEA approved grower.
University leaders will continue to evaluate policies, monitor proposed legislative changes and determine if changes are needed to continue to comply with the law. Any changes will go through the existing policy process and be communicated with the campus community.
Additional information about the new law is available on Ohio State’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center website.