Alcohol and Other Drug Information

Notice to Students and Employees Regarding the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act

University Drug and Alcohol Policy

Western’s Preventing the Misuse and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (POL-U1300.03) has been revised, effective November 8, 2022. The policy applies to the University community which includes:

  • Employees
  • Board of Trustees (BOT) Members
  • University volunteers
  • Matriculated and non-matriculated students
  • Visitors and contractors, and contractors’ employees present at University activities and/or on University-controlled property
  • Alumni attending University or alumni activities or accessing resources.

The policy strictly prohibits the use, sale, possession, and distribution of alcohol on University property, during work hours and academic and student activities. Employees are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics from the worksite.

In addition to individual adverse consequences, the University is subject to violations including:

  • Repayment of any or all forms of federal financial assistance received by the University
  • Suspension or termination of a federal contract or grant, and/or Terminated (debarred) as a federal contractor
  • Fines and potential loss of ability to receive funds through federal resources.

All employees and students are expected to review the policy in full. The policy addresses other specific expectations for students and employees including, but not limited to:

  • Responding to suspected opioid overdoses
  • Alcohol or drug use during University sponsored group trips
  • Marijuana use on campus (federal vs state law)
  • Student conduct code
  • Use of alcohol or drugs for academic or research purposes
  • Serving alcohol at university activities or on university property
  • Sale of alcohol
  • Responsibility for personal behavior
  • Referencing marijuana or alcohol in marketing or advertising
  • Behavior of visitors and guests
  • Reporting violations
  • Specific employees responsible for oversight and enforcement

See also: Reporting Employee Drug Convictions Procedure (PRO-U1300.03A)

Student Code of Conduct

In addition to being required to comply with University drug and alcohol policy, students are subject to the Student Code of Conduct (WAC 516-21).

Drugs and Paraphernalia (WAC 516-21-140)

Except as permitted by law and university policy, the possession, use, cultivation, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, or provision of a controlled or illegal substance or the possession of drug paraphernalia while on university property or at an official university function is a violation of the code. This code violation also includes the intentional misuse or distribution of prescription drugs.

[rev. 1.9.12]

Alcohol (WAC 516-21-130)

Except as permitted by law (e.g., possession or use by a person of legal age) and/or university policy, the possession, use, distribution, or sale of alcohol while on university property or at an official university function is a violation of the code.

[rev. 1.9.12]

Hazing (WAC 516-21-120)

Hazing is any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, endangers the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the university community, is a violation of the code. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:

  1. Requiring the consumption of any food, alcohol, drug, or other substance.
  2. Requiring forced participation in physical activities, including calisthenics, exercise, or other games or activities that entail physical exertion.
  3. Requiring exposure to weather elements or to other physically or emotionally uncomfortable situations, including sleep deprivation, confinement in small spaces, physical bondage, and/or taking a student to an outlying area and dropping them off.
  4. Requiring conduct that can be reasonably expected to embarrass another, including the performance of public stunts or activities such as scavenger hunts.
  5. Requiring anything that would be illegal under city, state, or federal law, or in violation of any university policies or procedures, including the code.

[rev. 1.9.12]

Health Risks of Drug Use
and Alcohol Consumption

The University values the health and safety of every individual and stresses the importance of educating yourselves on the potential harm drugs and alcohol has on a person’s health. Health risks of using illegal drugs and misusing alcohol or prescription drugs include physical, emotional and psychological effects. In particular, synthetically produced drugs often have unpredictable emotional and physical side effects that constitute an extreme health hazard.

Frequent use of alcohol and illegal drugs may lead to:

  • Relationship problems with friends, family, and coworkers
  • Substance use disorders
  • Impaired learning ability, memory, ability to solve complex problems
  • Hindrance of neurological development
  • Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD’s)
  • Complications due to the combination of prescription medication and other drugs/alcohol
  • Death, coma or toxic reactions, especially when combining alcohol with any other drug, including over-the-counter medicine or prescriptions
  • Guilt/regret over activities performed while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, i.e., regretting sexual encounters, fighting, excessive risk-taking, legal and employment difficulties
  • Damage to brain, cardiovascular system, liver, and other organs
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, birth or genetic defects
  • Psychosis (hallucinations, loss of contact with reality, extreme changes in personality)
  • Other physiological, psychological or interpersonal problems

Members of the university community are encouraged to further educate themselves on the health effects through reputable sources, such as:

In addition, information about the health risks associated with drug and alcohol misuse is available from:
 

Contacting Medical Assistance for an Apparent Drug or Alcohol-Related Health Situation

The University recognizes there may be a time when the consumption of alcohol or other drugs leads to a situation where medical intervention is necessary to ensure the health and safety of a student or others.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance (x911 or x3911 University Police) for themselves or for a friend/acquaintance who is dangerously under the influence of alcohol or drugs without fear of prosecution.

Washington State Amnesty law (RCW 69.50.315) states that:

  1. A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.
  2. A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.
  3. The protection in this section from prosecution for possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for suppression of evidence in other criminal charges.

[rev.2015]

Western Washington University student conduct code regarding Amnesty (WAC 516-21-055) states that:

  1. In situations involving intoxication, alcohol poisoning, or drug-related medical issues, students are encouraged to seek swift medical assistance for themselves and others without fear of penalty. Students requesting and receiving medical assistance in these situations are not typically subject to the student conduct process. This policy refers to isolated incidents and does not excuse students who repeatedly or flagrantly violate the alcohol or drug policy, nor does it preclude action arising from other violations of the code. Western will consider the positive impact of reporting a situation when determining any course of action.
  2. Complainants and witnesses who in good faith report sexual violence will not be subject to alcohol or drug violations of the code occurring at or near the time of the sexual violence unless their own conduct placed another person's health or safety at risk. Without imposing sanctions, Western may initiate educational remedies regarding alcohol or drug use.

[rev.12.10.21]

WWU’s Opioid Overdose
Response Program

Western is fully committed to preventing the misuse of opioids in our community and help eliminate the evolving epidemic of drug-related harms. However, the University recognizes the importance of also being prepared to quickly respond to an overdose situation. In the event an individual on campus appears to be experiencing a drug overdose, it is vitally important that University Police be called to respond (x3911). Each University Police Officer maintains a supply of Narcan (an opioid overdose reversal medication) they are trained to administer.

In addition, we encourage all campus community members to educate themselves on the signs of an overdose and immediately contact emergency services when they suspect a person is suffering from an overdose. As stated in the previous section, “a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance” under state law or university rules.

Go to stopoverdose.org for information on overdose awareness.

Available Substance Abuse/Addiction Assistance

Whatcom County Treatment and Recovery Resources

Whatcom County provides a list of local treatment and recovery services, including resources for friends and family. Local resources include detoxification services, in and outpatient treatment centers, tribally administered services, childcare resources, and Whatcom County Alcoholics Anonymous.

National Virtual Recovery Resources

To assist those in accessing recovery services while safe-distancing or self-quarantine, the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a list of resources that can be accessed virtually to support recovery from mental and substance abuse disorders.

WWU Counseling and Wellness Center for Students

Provides free confidential and non-judgmental support to students who want to talk about issues regarding alcohol or other substances, including addressing concerns about a roommate or someone you care about. In addition, the Center offers referral options, sobriety and risk reduction support.

Disability Access Center for Students

Currently enrolled students suffering from alcohol or drug addiction may be eligible for academic disability accommodations.

WWU Services for Employees

Employees suffering from alcohol or drug addiction may be eligible for work accommodations and services, including medical leave and counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees are not required to disclose substance abuse issues to their supervisor but if employees desire to seek a work accommodation for an addiction, employees are encouraged to directly contact the Disability Administrator in Human Resources. Exchanging personally identifiable information about an employee’s participation between an employer and the EAP is strictly prohibited by law.

Overdose Prevention and Awareness Resources

Sign up for free email or text alerts related to overdose risks Overdose prevention and response blogs.

University Sanctions for
Policy and Code Violations

Student Sanctions

Violations of the Student Conduct Code or other applicable rules and policies, will be applied in accordance with WAC 516-21-230. Sanctions serve many purposes including, but not limited to, educating students about the seriousness of their actions; reinforcing the high standards of scholarship and behavior expected of Western students; promoting student development; and maintaining the safety and well-being of members of the university community. When a student admits responsibility or is found in violation of the code, a conduct officer or dean of students may impose one or more of the sanctions listed in this section. This list of sanctions is not meant to be exclusive. Other sanctions, designed or intended to enhance the educational value of conduct proceedings, may be applied in a given case.

  1. Warning. A formal written notice to the student that a violation of the code has occurred, and that further violations may result in additional sanctions under the code.
  2. Conditional status. A probationary status imposed for a specific period of time, during which the student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to university standards. Conditions restricting the student's privileges or eligibility for activities may be imposed. Violations of any conditions specified in the notice of conditional status or violations of any other university policies or regulations during the period of the sanction, may result in additional sanctions under the code.
  3. Loss of privileges. A student may be denied specific privileges (i.e., participation in specific activities, restriction from specific areas of campus, etc.) on a temporary or permanent basis. Violations of any conditions specified in the notice of loss of privileges or violations of any other university policies or regulations during the period of the sanction, may result in additional sanctions under the code.
  4. Restriction from contacting others ("no contact" order). A student may be restricted from direct or indirect physical, verbal, or electronic contact with another person and/or group. Indirect or direct contact made with another person or group while a "no contact" order is in place may result in additional sanctions under the code.
  5. Educational activities. A student may be required to engage in educational activities related to violation(s) of the code. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, required attendance at educational programs, community service, conducting research projects, writing assignments, and/or meeting with campus officials.
  6. Assessment, counseling, or treatment programs. A student may be required to participate in an assessment, counseling, and/or treatment program (at the student's expense), to address substance abuse, anger issues, or other issues or types of behaviors that pose a threat to the safety or well-being of others.
  1. Restitution. A student may be required to provide compensation for loss, damage, or injury resulting from a violation of the code. Restitution may take the form of monetary or material replacement or appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for the loss, damage, and/or injury caused.
  2. Parental notification. Parents may be notified of conduct findings when a student under the age of twenty - one is found responsible for violations involving alcohol and/or drugs. When possible, students whose parents are to be notified will be informed before such notification occurs and given an opportunity to initiate contact with their parents.
  3. Campus residence hall or apartment relocation. A student's on-campus living arrangements may be transferred to another residence hall or apartment.
  4. Termination of university residences agreement. A student may be removed from their campus residence hall or apartment and their housing agreement terminated.
  5. Suspension from the university. A student may be removed from the university for a designated period of time, after which the student will be eligible to return. While suspended, the student is trespassed from all university facilities and prohibited from participating in official university functions. Specific conditions for readmission to the university may be imposed (e.g., counseling, completion of substance abuse treatment, etc.).
  6. Deferred suspension. A student may receive a notice of deferred suspension from the university, with a provision that they are allowed to remain enrolled contingent on meeting specific conditions. Failure to meet any condition(s) specified in the notice of deferred suspension will result in immediate suspension from the university.
  7. Expulsion from the university. A student may be permanently separated from the university. A student who has been expelled is not eligible for readmission.

Employee Sanctions

The University will conduct thorough and appropriate investigations upon allegations of a policy, collective bargaining agreement or employee handbook violation. Sanctions will be imposed based on the results of the investigation and will be consistent with applicable collective bargaining unit agreements or employee handbooks. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a reduction in pay, demotion, suspension, or termination, and referral to authorities for criminal prosecution when applicable.

In addition to University sanctions, an individual may be subject to local, state, and/or federal sanctions.

Washington State

Washington State has a zero-tolerance law for minors driving under the influence. Under the Washington State statute RCW 46.61.503, if you are under the age of 21 and either driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle with a breath or blood alcohol content of .02 or greater within 2 hours of the time of the incident, you can be arrested for Minor DUI. If a person under 21 provides an evidentiary breath or blood alcohol sample equal or greater to .08, they may be charged with an adult DUI (RCW 46.61.502).

Zero-tolerance also applies for marijuana. Just because recreational marijuana has been legalized, it is not legal for drivers under the age of 21 to have THC in their system. Drivers under 21 can be charged for a Minor DUI with a THC concentration of anything above 0.00, as evidenced by blood sample analysis (RCW 46.61.506).

A Minor DUI is a misdemeanor charge. A conviction can greatly impact the future of the underage driver. The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Unlike an adult DUI, which is a gross misdemeanor charge, there is no mandatory jail time or fines or ignition interlock device requirement. Penalties are at the discretion of the judge, up to the maximum. Commonly, the judge will order community service, work crew, fines, or alcohol classes as alternatives to jail time.

A Minor DUI arrest triggers a mandatory license suspension of at least 90 days by the Department of Licensing. The license suspension is based on the arrest, not a conviction. This suspension can be contested by filing a request for a hearing with the Department of Licensing within 20 days of the arrest.

According to Washington State statute RCW 66.44.270:

  • It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of twenty-one years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on their premises or on any premises under their control.
  • It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor.
  • It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one years to be in a public place, or to be in a motor vehicle in a public place, while exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor.
  • There are several sections of the statute that describe circumstances where the law does not apply. See RCW 66.44.270 for details.
  • Conviction or forfeiture of bail for a violation of this section by a person under the age of twenty-one years at the time of such conviction or forfeiture shall not be a disqualification of that person to acquire a license to sell or dispense any liquor after that person has attained the age of twenty-one years.

Washington State Department of Licensing defines Minor in Possession (MIP) in the following ways:

  • When a person age 13-17 signs a diversion agreement or is convicted of possession of alcohol
  • When a person age 13-20 signs a diversion agreement or is convicted of a drug offense
  • When a person age 13-17 is convicted of any offense involving a firearm, whether or not it's related to using a motor vehicle
  • When a person under 18 pleads guilty or is found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm while in a vehicle
  • When a person under age 18 commits any offense while armed with a firearm in which a motor vehicle served an integral function

Penalties are harsher for the underage drinking convictions MIP/MIC than for Minor DUI. Penalties are more severe for teenagers drinking in a park than driving under the influence with a BAC level of .02 to .079.

A Minor in Possession charge in Washington State is a gross misdemeanor. A conviction can carry penalties of up to a $5,000 fine and a maximum of 364 days in jail.

In terms of license revocation with MIP convictions, it varies depending on whether alcohol or drugs were involved. If under 18 and convicted of an alcohol-related MIP or a drug-related MIP, your license will be revoked for 1-year for your first conviction and 2-years if you have a second conviction.

  • Any minor in possession (alcohol or drug) offense will result in loss of your driver's license for one year (1st offense) or for two years (2nd offense).
  • Under age 21 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a .02-.07 BAC has the following penalties:
    • 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine
    • 2nd Offense: License revoked until age 21 or at least 1 year, maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine
  • Any age Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a BAC of .08 or higher has the following penalties:
    • 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, 1 day jail or 15-day electronic home monitoring, fines $8,125, possible ignition interlock
    • 2nd Offense: License revoked for minimum of two years, minimum 30 days in jail and 60 days electronic home monitoring, fines $8,125, possible five year ignition interlock.
  • Possession of a false identification card is a misdemeanor. Penalty: Minimum $250 fine and 25 hours community service.

A controlled substance under RCW 69.50 is a drug, substance, or immediate precursor included in Schedules I through V as set forth in federal or state laws, or federal or commission rules, but does not include hemp or industrial hemp as defined in RCW 15.140.020.

Examples of illicit drugs considered to be controlled substances by the State of Washington include:

  • Narcotics (opium and cocaine, and all drugs extracted, derived or synthesized from opium and cocaine, including crack cocaine and heroin)
  • Methamphetamine
  • Barbiturates
  • Hallucinogenic Substances (LSD, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin, PCP)
  • The illegal sale of any controlled substance is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.
  • The illegal manufacture or delivery of controlled substances: Schedule I or II Narcotics or flunitrazepam is up to 10 years in prison, $25,000 to $100,000 fine, or both. Any other controlled substances under Schedule I, II, III, IV or V, except flunitrazepam is up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.
  • Possession of any controlled substance is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

More severe penalties are provided for persons convicted of providing controlled substances to minors, to repeat offenses and to offenses on or near schools or parks.

  • Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and policies concerning marijuana at the University remain unchanged. It is illegal to produce, distribute or use marijuana on University property or during University-sponsored activities.
  • Marijuana remains illegal for minors (persons under 21 years of age) to possess, sell or use and is illegal to possess for a person of any age in amounts over 28.3 grams.

Federal Laws

The possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.

A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a 1st conviction, 10 years for a 2nd conviction, and permanent denial of federal benefits for a 3rd conviction. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a 1st conviction and up to five years for subsequent convictions.

Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure may be issued, and property seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.

Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than five years but not more than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both, if:

  • It is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams;
  • It is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams;
  • It is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.

Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued. Special sentencing provisions for possession of Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, "roofies" or "roaches") impose a prison term of not more than 3 years, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. Below is the list of penalties per the Drugs of Abuse DEA Resource Guide (2020). If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a controlled substance that has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces a prison term of not less than 20 years, but not more than life, and fines ranging up to $8 million. Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university (21 USC §860) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.

DRUG/SCHEDULE QUANTITY PENALTIES QUANTITY PENALTIES
Cocaine (Schedule II) 500-4999 grams mixture

First Offense: Not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life. Fine of not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not less than 10 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.

5 kgs or more mixture

First offense: Not less than 10 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life. Fine of not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.

Second offense: Not less than 20 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual. 

2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.

Cocaine Base (Schedule II) 28-279 grams mixture 280 grams or more mixture
Fentanyl (Schedule II) 40-399 grams mixture 400 grams or more mixture
Fentanyl Analogue (Schedule I) 10-99 grams mixture 100 grams or more mixture
Heroin (Schedule I) 100-999 grams mixture 1 kg or more mixture
LSD (Schedule I) 1-9 grams mixture 10 grams or more mixture
Methamphetamine (Schedule II) 5-49 grams pure or 50-499 grams mixture 50 grams or more pure or 500 grams or more mixture
PCP (Schedule II) 10-99 grams pure or 100-999 grams mixture 100 grams pure or 1 kg or more mixture

 

DRUG/SCHEDULE QUANTITY PENALTIES

Other Schedule I and II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)

Any amount

First Offense: Not more than 20 years. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 30 years. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.

Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) 1 gram

First Offense: Not more than 20 years. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 30 years. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.

Other Schedule III drugs Any amount

First Offense: Not more than 10 years. If death or serious injury, not more than 15 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2.5 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 20 years. If death or serious injury, not more than 30 years. Fine not more than $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.

All other Schedule IV drugs Any amount

First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 10 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.

Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) Other than 1 gram or more

First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 10 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.

All Schedule V drugs Any amount

First Offense: Not more than 1 year. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual, $250,000 if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not more than 4 years. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual.

DRUG QUANTITY 1ST OFFENSE 2ND OFFENSE
Marijuana (Schedule I) 1,000 kg or more marijuana mixture; or 1,000 or more marijuana plants Not less than 10 years or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine not more than life. Fine not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual. Not less than 20 years or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual.
Marijuana (Schedule I) 100 kg to 999 kg marijuana mixture; or 100 to 999 marijuana plants Not less than 5 years or more than 40 years. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine not more than life. Fine not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if other than an individual. Not less than 10 years or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual.
Marijuana (Schedule I)

More than 10 kgs hashish; 50 to 99 kgs marijuana mixture

More than 1 kg of hashish oil; 50 to 99 marijuana plants

Not less than 20 years. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual. Not less than 30 years. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.
Marijuana (Schedule I) Less than 50 kg marijuana (but does not include 50 or more plants regardless of weight) marijuana plants Not less than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million if other than an individual. Not less than 10 years. Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than an individual.
Hashish (Schedule I) 10 kg or less    
Hashish Oil (Schedule I) 1 kg or less    

 

Summary of Negative Impacts of Drug Convictions

Consider that the following can be negatively impacted with both minor and major drug and alcohol convictions:

  • Significant financial penalties
  • Jail or prison time
  • College admissions rejection
  • Ineligible for federal student loans
  • School or College suspensions
  • Suspension or Revocation of Driver's License
  • Limited future employment opportunities
  • Ineligible to enlist in Military
  • Ineligible to travel to Canada or other countries
  • Loss of personal assets

This notice is effective November 8, 2022.