SUPERINTENDENT: IT'S STILL ILLEGAL TO BRING MARIJUANA TO SCHOOL

SALEM - Massachusetts voters decriminalized possession of less than an
ounce of marijuana, but that doesn't mean students can bring it to school.

It is still illegal to bring any controlled substance to school or a
school-sponsored event, Superintendent William Cameron said, and also "is
an occasion for a student to be expelled."

The so-called Ballot Question 2 made the possession of less than an ounce
of marijuana punishable only by civil penalty (a $100 fine) and loss of
the drug. The new law took effect this month.

Offenders under 18 must also complete a drug awareness program and
community service option, and parents/guardians are notified, according to
the law.

But Cameron pointed to another state law that prohibits students from
bringing drugs, alcohol, tobacco or weapons to school and subjects
students to expulsion.

"Don't mistake a civil penalty on the street," he said, "as something of
little consequence in school."

Cameron raised the topic with the School Committee last week. Committee
member Brendan Walsh said that principals should inform students of the
distinction "in no uncertain terms."

"We take any kind of contraband in the buildings with the utmost
seriousness," Cameron said.