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Tobacco/Vaping Policy

Introduction

Policy Statement

Washington and Lee University is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all campus properties. Medical research has shown that smoking poses hazards to one's health and that tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of premature death. There are also health risks associated with second-hand smoke. In addition, the University prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of cannabis in any form on campus or in connection with University programs and activities, regardless of Virginia state law. This prohibition is consistent with federal law and the University's commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus.

Applicability

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors, as well as anyone else on property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Washington and Lee University.

Policy

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the University are expected to comply with Commonwealth of Virginia law regarding the minimum age (21 years) for persons purchasing or possessing tobacco, nicotine vapor, and cannabis products.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes/nicotine vapor, smokeless tobacco, other nicotine, and cannabis products, is not permitted inside or within 25 feet of any campus buildings, including classroom buildings, administrative buildings, student residential buildings, Greek and theme-housing, dining areas, the University store, athletic facilities, or University-owned or rental vehicles. Electronic smoking devices or other tobacco/nicotine products should be discretely stored while not in use and such devices should not be charged in public spaces. The University also prohibits the sale and promotion of tobacco/nicotine products on campus.

The University strictly prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or cultivation of cannabis, including marijuana, THC-containing products, and any cannabis derived substances on University property, in University vehicles, or at any University-sponsored event, whether on or off campus. This includes products intended for smoking, vaping, or ingestion.

Products made of or containing tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis, or used to consume these substances include, but are not limited to:

• Cigarettes and cigars;
• Pipe tobacco;
• Chewing tobacco;
• Snuff;
• Bidis;
• Nicotine in a solution or other form intended for use with an electronic smoking device;
• Electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes, Juuls, personal vaporizers, or other devices associated with "vaping"; 
• Hookah; and
• Cannabis/marijuana in any form (including flower, oils, edibles, concentrates, THC cartridges, and paraphernalia).

Compliance with Policy

All members of the University community and campus visitors are expected to comply with this policy.

Suspected violations of this policy may be reported to the Office of Public Safety. Suspected violations to this policy by faculty or staff may also be reported to the appropriate supervisor. Policy violations for students and employees will result in warning, education, and with repeat offense, may result in disciplinary action.

This policy will be posted on the University website. Students and employees will be notified of this policy on an annual basis in the Important Annual Notices which includes the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Annual Notice. Signage will be placed in strategic places around campus.

Prevention/Smoking Cessation

Employees seeking to eliminate their use of tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis products can contact Human Resources for available resources.

Students seeking to eliminate their use of tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis products can contact Lindley Health, Lindley Counseling, or visit the Health Promotion library for prevention information at https://my.wlu.edu/student-life/health-and-safety/student-health-and-counseling/health-library/alcohol-and-other-drugs/tobacco or take and online course at https://www.tobacco-edu.org.

In addition, online help can be found at:

• Quit Now Virginia - 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or text READY to 34191
• Live Vape Free - text VapeFreeVA to 873-373