marijuana | Campus Safe Words

TERM: marijuana
RISK LEVEL: moderate

Definition

“Marijuana” refers to the psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant, commonly used for recreational or medicinal purposes. In higher education, the term typically appears in campus health policies, legal compliance documents, substance abuse education programs, and research studies related to public health or criminal justice.

Why It’s Risky

Although the term “marijuana” is legally recognized, its use can carry political and cultural sensitivities, particularly as cannabis policy varies significantly between states. Some critics argue that the word “marijuana” has historical associations with racialized enforcement and stigma, especially against Hispanic and Black communities. In politically conservative states, references to marijuana in institutional documents can also trigger concerns about promoting illegal behavior or undermining campus discipline. When used without careful context, the term may expose institutions to accusations of cultural insensitivity or, alternatively, of failing to uphold federal drug-free campus regulations, depending on the political audience. Balancing legal compliance, cultural awareness, and neutrality is essential when using this term in official communications.

Common Critiques

Conservative critics often emphasize that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, regardless of state-level legalization, and warn that universities must avoid creating any impression of endorsement. They argue that casual references to marijuana can undermine institutional credibility, particularly in family-facing communications and donor materials. Some critics from other perspectives argue that the word itself carries outdated, racially charged connotations dating back to early 20th-century drug policy campaigns, suggesting that institutions should adopt alternative terminology like “cannabis” when discussing research or health impacts. In politically sensitive environments, failure to strike the right balance can lead to public controversy, loss of federal funding eligibility under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, or reputational harm. Documents that reference marijuana without clear legal framing or policy grounding are especially vulnerable to misinterpretation.

Suggested Substitutes

Cannabis (in academic research or scientific contexts);
Controlled substances (in legal and compliance documents);
Prohibited drugs (in student conduct codes);
Substance use prevention education (in health and wellness programming);
Adherence to federal and state laws regarding drug use (in institutional policies)

These alternatives maintain legal precision and political neutrality while avoiding culturally sensitive pitfalls.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Marijuana” may be appropriate when quoting legal statutes, federal regulations, or in criminal justice and public health research where the term has a specific legal definition. In all other contexts, prefer “cannabis” for scientific accuracy or refer generally to substance use policies to maintain compliance and reduce controversy.

NOTES: Use “marijuana” carefully, especially in public-facing materials. Ensure language aligns with federal regulations and institutional drug policies. Where appropriate, prefer scientifically neutral or legally mandated terminology to minimize political, cultural, and legal risks.

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