Drug Policy

Drug Policy

Any use of drugs, including prescription and over the counter medications, must be consistent with University policy and applicable Washington state and federal law.

  1. Definitions: 

  1. Consumption: Breathing, inhaling, ingesting, injecting, smoking, snorting, and/or swallowing. 

  1. Drugs: Any stimulant, intoxicant (other than alcohol), nervous system depressant, hallucinogen, or other chemical substance, compound or combination, including any otherwise lawfully available product used for any purpose other than its intended use (e.g., the misuse of prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, or household products). The University classifies drugs into three categories: 

  • Cannabis (marijuana): Cannabis or the psychoactive compounds found in cannabis and intended for human use or consumption, regardless of form. This includes the use of products that include THC or CBD. This excludes hemp fabrics.  

    Although Washington State Chapter 69.50 RCW allows persons over the age of 21 to possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use, Gonzaga University abides by federal law prohibiting the possession, use, consumption, purchase, manufacture, distribution, or sale of cannabis, regardless of age. 

  1. Drugs and/or controlled substances: Cocaine, fentanyl, Psilocybin mushrooms, heroin, LSD and other hallucinogens, barbiturates and other sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP, and any drugs or substances listed on Federal or Washington State schedules of controlled substances. 

  1. Misuse of prescription drugs or other products: Opiates/pain-killers (i.e. morphine, oxycodone), stimulants (i.e. Ritalin, Adderall), sedative-hypnotics (i.e. barbiturates, anxiolytics), and other psychoactive drugs. This includes taking medication without a prescription, taking more than the prescribed dose of a medication, sharing or selling prescription medication, or using a prescription medication or other lawfully available product (e.g. over the counter drugs, or household products) for a purpose or in a manner other than the intended use (i.e. to produce an altered state or intoxication). 

  1. Guests: Gonzaga students, personal friends, family, 'friends of friends' or acquaintance, or a person who has explicit or assumed permission by a host to be in that space.  

  1. Paraphernalia: Equipment, supplies, and other materials used to produce, consume, or conceal drugs. This may include glass bongs, rolling papers, scales, air filters, pipes.  

  1. Applicable Conduct: 

  1. Possession, use, or consumption of Drugs is prohibited. 

  1. Possession, use, manufacture, or sale of Drug Paraphernalia is prohibited. 

  1. Manufacture, sale, distribution, transfer, or possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell Drugs is prohibited. 

  1. Permitting a Guest to possess or consume Drugs on a premises under the host’s control (e.g. residential room) is prohibited. 

  1. Misrepresenting oneself or to use false or forged documents (such as a driver’s license from any state) to obtain Drugs is prohibited. 

  1. Unauthorized possession or misuse of prescription drugs or other products is prohibited. Prescription drugs must either be kept in its original container with appropriate labeling or valid prescription information must be presented to verify the prescription is for the owner. 

  1. Being under the influence of drugs leading to an altered state or intoxication is prohibited. 

  1. The University reserves the right to confiscate, test, retain and dispose of/destroy all drug-related items regardless of value or ownership. 

Last updated: 8/4/25