Cannabis is sparking a conversation across the nation, as well as on Shippensburg University’s campus. 

Members of SU gathered for an open conversation with a panel about the use of marijuana on college campuses.

The panelists included Kurt Dunkel, coordinator of the Alcohol and Other Drug connection program at SU; Robin McCann, head of the SU chemistry department and toxicologist for Cumberland Valley; and Sarah Shupp, director of the SU Office of Student Conduct. 

The series, “Food for Thought,” sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA), prompts the campus community to openly discuss difficult topics. RHA hopes to open the dialogue between students and faculty, with no repercussions, through meaningful discussions to get a better understanding from both perspectives. 

“I’m a firm believer in no substance use before 25 just because of what it does to your brain,” Shupp said. “The National Drug Free School Act governs what we are allowed to have on campus and what we don’t, so even if cannabis was legal we probably still wouldn’t allow it on campus because we’d lose our federal aid.” 

The act ties into federal funding and FAFSA, which means if SU violated the act the school could lose funding.

Throughout the conversation, participants discussed the difference between legalization and decriminalization of the product. 

“Just some things to keep in mind from a pragmatic standpoint, we have an elementary school on campus, so it’s something to consider,” Dunkel said. 

He later asked a student if he saw some negative impacts of  marijuana being legalized on campus.

“I’ve been around highfunctioning users and not many bad functioning users, but some cons could be getting high and not going to class and those stereotypes you see,” said SU student Ari Berkovich. 

“I want to make it clear that molecules in your lungs are not meant to hold smoke,” McCann said.

McCann explained that smoking marijuana can create complications; however, she still supports the drug’s use in other forms such as pills and edibles.

The panel also discussed the lack of control of marijuana smoke, as the user is not the only one exposed to it. On campus, this includes other residence hall members and children at the elementary school on campus.

When smoking in the dorms, not only does the smoker smell it but those around also have to deal with the smell. It all comes back to common courtesy according to Shupp.

“The smoking thing is extremely disrespectful in the dorms. If you’ve ever had to leave your dorm at night from a fire alarm or walk by a room that just reeks. It’s disturbing coming from a community aspect,” Shupp said. 

But are students getting the right amount of education as when it comes to drugs? 

“I took a general education course here and it really only focused on alcohol use not much on weed, we should have more education about it so students are more informed,” student Lukas Coburn said. “I really think more information would reduce the stigma around it.”

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