Taking effect on Aug. 1, Act 305, originally House Bill 568, significantly increased the criminal penalties of marijuana possession and use on or near University property. This includes smoking, vaping or otherwise. 

What once was a $100 fine for possession has now grown to $1,000 and jailtime of up to a year. 

The purpose is to crack down on marijuana usage near schools and college campuses statewide.

Since its passing, there have been different reactions from universities like Louisiana State University and LSU New Orleans. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, however, ULPD said the new law is not expected to have a significant effect on campus enforcement. 

With campus drug law violations going down since 2023, Sgt. Lance Frederick said that it is not an issue the department sees as prevalent. 

“It’s not an ongoing thing. When it takes up a majority of our call value, that’s when it would be an issue. But we’re not there.” 

The most important takeaway Frederick thinks students should have is the enforcement of the 2,000 feet zone. “If you go 2,000 feet and you’re not sure,” he says, “Go another 1,000.” 

The 2,000 feet zone extends beyond the boundaries of the University itself, specifically 2,000 feet from the property line. The Office of Residential Life is now at the risk of these penalties. The zoning includes most sorority and fraternity houses, dorms and apartments that encircle campus.

While there are students that are for the passing of the act, some wonder how this will affect those who use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The law specifically states that even medical marijuana can still land felony charges if smoked within the 2,000 feet vicinity. 

Senior Brooklyn Money shared her concerns for what this could mean for students who struggle with chronic illnesses and disorders and have prescriptions for medical marijuana. 

“I think it is unfair that a student may have to disregard their doctor’s treatment plan just so they don’t face law enforcement penalizing them just for where they live.” She elaborates that the law feels vague. 

“I think not allowing it on a college campus is fine, but I also feel there should definitely be laws that elaborate… it’s so cut and dry.” 

According to a University announcement email sent on Sept. 10, “Possessing a medical marijuana prescription does not permit its use on campus or within 2,000 feet of University property.” University police strongly advise the usage of medicinal products only in the comfort of your home. 

ULPD’s crime statistics reports show that most drug law violations occur either on campus or in residence halls. With the additional zoning being added, there may be concern if students live on campus in residencies or in apartments nearby. 

Another student, sophomore Birdie Watson, described the law as “unconstitutional” in regards to the no-tolerance for medicinal products. 

“It’s going to make students sneakier and more paranoid about their usage. They’re going to just have trouble using it in general, which is unfair when it’s a prescribed thing.” 

Beyond all concerns, it is important to know the act and what it means to be in possession of marijuana near the new zones. Frederick believes that it will bring forth better regulations. “It was affecting someone, enough people to where a voice was heard, and they changed it [the law],” he said. 

For UL Lafayette, students should be aware of the new zoning and, if in possession of medicinal products, to make sure to use them outside of the campus limits.

Additionally, if there is any confusion as to the regulations, students should access the ULPD website and their ULink for more information.