On  Aug. 1, 2023, Minnesota law legalized recreational marijuana. Anyone 21 years of age or older may possess or transport and use cannabis in certain locations. Please note that federal law continues to classify the use of cannabis products as illegal. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State, including Riverland Community College, are required to prohibit use as a condition of receiving federal assistance. Riverland is in the process of reviewing student, employee, and housing policies to state that cannabis possession, use, and transport is prohibited on campus, including in residential and workplace settings. Violation of these policies may result in discipline.

While policies are being updated, keep in mind that we have a Drug-Free Campus Policy which states Riverland Community College is committed to providing a drug-free work and learning environment. This includes all interior and exterior campus locations, including student housing.

• No student or employee shall report to work or class under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, or other drugs that affect his or her alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision making or safety.
• No student or employee shall operate, use, or drive any equipment, machinery, or vehicle of the College while under the influence of any controlled substance.
• No student or employee of the College, including any student employee engaged in work or study in connection with a federal grant, shall unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use on campus or in the workplace any narcotic drug, alcohol, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or any other controlled substance (with the exception of Riverland Policy #5.18, “Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus, which is consistent with MnSCU Procedure 5.18.2 Check List for Events Involving Alcoholic Beverages or 3.2% Malt Liquor).

Any student or employee who violates the terms of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.

We will be informing Riverland students of this information through communications and signage between now and the beginning of the fall semester.