Marijuana — once the rebellious plant of choice for college students sneaking off to the outskirts of campus for a smoke — is now more mainstream than ever. 

Thanks to California’s 2016 legalization of recreational cannabis, weed is available in chic dispensaries across the state. But while it’s legal to indulge off-campus, if you’re over the age of 21, students at Chapman University still have to navigate a fine line between what’s legal in the state and what’s allowed at school. Spoiler alert: the two don't always align, and the age of weed pens is making things a little hazier — literally. 

Legal but not allowed: The confusing reality of campus policies

If marijuana is legal in California, why can’t you light up on campus? The answer lies in the federal law that ties Chapman’s hands. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) mandates that universities receiving federal funding, including financial aid, must strictly prohibit the use of illegal drugs on campus — even if the state gives it a thumbs up. Chapman complies with federal law, meaning the use or possession of marijuana on campus can get you in hot water. 

You might think that smoking a joint off-campus is a loophole, but according to Chapman’s Student Conduct Code, you're not entirely off the hook. 

Colleen Wood, director of student conduct, has stated that students can still violate the code for cannabis use off-campus, depending on the circumstances. Just because you legally bought some edibles in Santa Ana doesn’t mean you’re safe from disciplinary action if you bring them back to your dorm.

Weed pens: The new frontier in college cannabis culture

For many students, the age of rolling joints has given way to the sleek, discreet world of vape pens. Cannabis vaping has surged in popularity across college campuses, with students opting for vape cartridges over the traditional methods. The allure of weed pens is obvious — they're portable, easy to conceal and odor-free compared to their more pungent counterparts. But their rise in popularity has created new challenges for universities.

With the rise of THC vapes, enforcing cannabis policies has become a game of hide-and-seek for campus officials. Unlike the unmistakable smell of weed smoke wafting through the halls, vape pens are much harder to detect. 

Resident Advisors and Public Safety may catch the occasional whiff, but proving the content of a cartridge — THC or just flavored vapor — is a whole different story! Not that it matters, seeing as both are banned on this campus. 

The health risks hidden in a vape cloud

Vaping high-potency THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) has been linked to some pretty rough side effects — think paranoia, psychosis and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). 

CHS isn’t just a bad stomach ache — it’s repeated, uncontrollable vomiting, the kind you’d expect after a terrible night out, but worse.

If that’s not enough to make you rethink, there’s EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), an illness that hit the headlines after sending hundreds of people to the hospital gasping for air. 

In 2019, the proportion of students vaping cannabis oil skyrocketed, particularly in states like California where recreational use is legal. The convenience of vaping, combined with the high potency of THC oil, has made it an attractive option for students.

But while vaping might seem like a lower-risk option compared to smoking, the health risks are still up for debate. Research shows that while vaping cannabis flower may reduce harmful toxins, using highly concentrated THC oils and extracts can still come with negative cognitive and psychological effects.

The fast THC delivery makes it easy to lose track of how much you’re using. Before you know it, you’re not just ‘a little high,’ but way past what you intended. 

Got a stressful essay due? Puff. 

Feeling awkward at a party? Puff. 

But when it starts becoming your go-to solution for every single thing? Pass.  

Studies show that social norms play a big role in this — if everyone around you is vaping, it’s easy to convince yourself it’s just part of the college experience. But dependency can creep up quietly, and what starts as a way to unwind could end up being something you rely on just to feel normal again. 

The rise of cannabis use among students isn’t unique to Chapman. Nationwide, studies show that alcohol use is decreasing while marijuana use is on the rise, especially in states where recreational cannabis is legal.

Recreational use: More than just a high

Cannabis isn’t just about getting high anymore; it’s woven into everyday life for many students. From art and mental health to creative expression and post-workout recovery, marijuana has found new roles in student routines. Some swear by it for easing period pain or helping them sleep, while others say it allows them to tap into empathy, release trauma, and live more fully in the moment.

For students, the rituals of cannabis use are becoming forms of self-care. The act of grinding flower, rolling joints or preparing edibles is seen by some as a mindful practice, a break from the chaos of college life. Lighting up becomes a way to pause, reflect and journal — almost like a therapy session, just with a joint in hand.

“Deconstructing the patriarchy” may sound ambitious, but cannabis culture is also shifting norms, allowing students to break free from rigid social expectations and create space for personal growth. Weed pens have become status symbols, with pink and gold stizzys ruling the dynamic. 

Sometimes, it’s not that deep. Some people just like to tweak and unwind while binge-watching Fulcrum. 

The big picture: College, cannabis and consequences

The rise of cannabis use among students isn’t unique to Chapman. Across the country, alcohol use is decreasing while marijuana use is on the rise, especially in states where recreational cannabis is legal. But even as social acceptance grows, students need to remember that the legal landscape can be tricky.

Weed may be legal in the state, but Chapman’s policies are grounded in federal law, and students are expected to abide by those rules. Whether you’re pro-legalization or not, staying informed and making smart choices is key — because while the landscape of marijuana is evolving, the consequences of breaking campus rules remain as serious as ever.