1.6.1 Drugs

State Laws

New Jersey state law classifies heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, marijuana, and hashish, among other substances, as “controlled dangerous substances.” (N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-2) The possession, use, sale, or manufacture of such substances may be subject to mandatory penalties. References to current laws may be consulted at the Office of Public Safety. (New Jersey law does provide some immunity for those who seek immediate medical assistance on behalf of themselves or others in drug overdose situations.)

University Policy Concerning Marijuana and/or Cannabis

Federal law and University policy prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana and cannabis on University property, including for medical purposes. (This remains the case even though New Jersey has legalized the sale and possession of cannabis[1] to persons over the age of 21.)  Thus, the possession or use of marijuana and cannabis remains prohibited on University property or as part of a University activity. There is a limited exception for a pre-approved, qualified research project, consistent with state and federal law. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, see https://ehs.princeton.edu/cannabisFAQs.

[1] “Cannabis” means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds, except those containing resin extracted from the plant, which are cultivated and, when applicable, manufactured for use in cannabis products as set forth in the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act. Under New Jersey law, “cannabis” is separately defined from marijuana as defined in N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-2.

University Policy Concerning Controlled Substances

The University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance of any kind in any amount on University property, or while in the conduct of University business away from the campus. This prohibition includes the manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of prescription drugs without a prescription. Penalties for these acts will be administered by the appropriate University administrator or committee, and in accordance with rules and procedures administered by them (for the faculty and other academic staffs, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty; for graduate students, the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School; for undergraduates, the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students; and for administrators and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources). Penalties range from warning to permanent separation from the University depending on the seriousness of the infraction and the degree to which violation of the policy adversely affects the well-being of the community or the fulfillment of the University’s educational mission.

Violations of local ordinances or of state or federal laws regarding controlled dangerous substances by members of the University community may entail criminal charges and University disciplinary actions regardless of where such violations occur, if they are of a serious nature. The manufacture, sale, or distribution of controlled substances, any involvement in controlled substances use or traffic with minors, and possession or use of the more dangerous or highly addictive drugs, are all considered serious offenses and will be handled accordingly. Depending on the particular circumstances, continued association with the University by violators of this policy may be made contingent upon satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

It is also University policy, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, that all employees, including work-study employees, as a condition of employment on projects supported out of federal funds, abide by this University policy regarding controlled substances and notify the University within five (5) days of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the workplace.

All members of the University community should be aware that New Jersey State law prohibits the illegal possession, use, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia and that violators may be subject to criminal charges as well as mandatory penalties in addition to University disciplinary action. Federal law also provides for loss of certain federal benefits (including student loans and research grants) for conviction under any criminal drug statute. More information about New Jersey and federal drug laws may be obtained at the Department of Public Safety, or the Office of the General Counsel.

1.6.2 Alcoholic Beverages

Members of the Princeton University community are expected to be acquainted with and to abide by both state and University regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol. They are also expected to be aware of the social, physiological, and psychological consequences of excessive drinking in order to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving and consumption of alcohol. The University provides regular educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse as well as counseling services.

The University alcoholic beverage policy is designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey, which, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages by and to persons under 21 years of age. The policy also reflects the need for mutual respect and personal responsibility within a diverse community. Under no circumstances will the consumption of alcohol constitute a mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation of University regulations. Alcoholic beverages will not normally be provided at University events where persons under the legal drinking age for consumption of alcoholic beverages are present, including those sponsored by the University, the residential colleges, the University centers, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the classes. (See section 2.2.9 in the orange pages for a more detailed description of the alcohol policy.) University departments or offices wishing to serve alcohol at events should consult https://conferences.princeton.edu/guidelines.

1.6.3 Smoking

Smoking and/or vaping is prohibited by law and by University policy in all workplaces, places of public access in University buildings, including dormitories, and outdoor spaces within 25 feet of all such buildings, including but not limited to all academic, residential, and administrative buildings and elevators; individual offices and rooms; athletic sporting facilities; spectator areas at outdoor University events; University-owned vehicles, shuttle buses, and vans; dining facilities and bars; theaters and concert halls; partially enclosed areas such as archways, weather protected ramps, and tents; and outdoor dining areas. As per New Jersey regulations, this prohibition extends to e-cigarettes. All smoking materials must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. Questions, concerns, or complaints about smoking on campus should be directed to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. For more information about this policy, see the following website: https://ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-campus-community/smoking-campus.

1.6.4 Public Health

All members of the University community are expected to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws and executive orders designed to safeguard public health. The University may also implement a range of policies, guidelines, and protocols, temporary and/or long-term, for the University community to safeguard public health. See the University’s Communicable Disease Policy: https://ehs.princeton.edu/Communicable-Disease-Policy.