Pubdate: Wed, 12 Feb 2014
Source: Central Michigan Life (Central MI U, MI Edu)
Copyright: 2014 Central Michigan Life
Contact:  http://www.cm-life.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2808
Author: Shawn Tonge
Note: Student Life Editor Nathan Clark contributed to this story.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)

SGA HOUSE PASSES AMENDMENT OF MARIJUANA POLICY, SENATE TABLES RESOLUTION

A new resolution passed by the Student Government Association's House
of Representatives might change Central Michigan University's policy
on the penalty for marijuana possession.

The legislation, presented by Student Advocates for Medical and
Recreational Cannabis, passed the House on Monday but after debating
for 45 minuets, was tabled by the Senate until the SGA meeting next
week.

The resolution would amend Residence Life's policy to no longer
classify marijuana as a controlled substance. The penalty for
marijuana violations would then be changed to match the more lenient
punishment for alcohol possession.

"The penalties send everyone the wrong message, that marijuana is more
dangerous than alcohol," said Ian Elliott, president of SAMRC. "There
is a sweeping movement across the country to remove these kinds of
policies. To me, this change should have happened a long time ago."

The Cheboygan freshman said changing the policy would be a step toward
removing the negative stigma of marijuana on campus.

CMU's policy on alcohol calls for a $200 fine and a mandatory online
education course on the first violation with a $300 fine for the
second. For a third offense, a student must either pay a $300 fine or
risk possible suspension.

The penalty for the first violation of marijuana possession is a $300
fine, an online course and disciplinary probation for the remainder of
the student's academic career. A second violation results in a $400 or
suspension.

The resolution would eliminate the more severe penalties for marijuana
and replace them with penalties that are no greater than or less than
those for alcohol.

If the resolution is later passed by the Senate, the report will be
sent to be signed, vetoed or pocket vetoed by SGA President Marie Reimers.

Should Reimers pocket veto the resolution, or not make a decision, the
proposal will automatically pass according to SGA regulations.

"I need to do more research about the matter before I can say
anything," Reimers said.

If the resolution is signed by Reimers, it will be compiled and given
to the Office of Student Conduct for review.
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MAP posted-by: Matt