418	DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE/DRUG-FREE SCHOOL
	Board Adopted:  May 21, 2001		Board Revised: July 21, 2025

I.	PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe and healthful environment for employees and students by prohibiting the use of alcohol, toxic substances, medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids (edible cannabinoid products), and controlled substances without a physician’s prescription.

II.	GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A.	Use or possession of alcohol, toxic substances, medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids (edible cannabinoid products), and controlled substances and controlled substances before, during, or after school hours, at school or in any other school location, is prohibited as general policy.  Paraphernalia associated with controlled substances is prohibited.

B.	A violation of this policy occurs when any student, teacher, administrator, other school district personnel, or member of the public uses alcohol, toxic substances, medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids (including edible cannabinoid products), or controlled substances in any school location.

C.	An individual may not use or possess cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public school, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, including all facilities, whether owned, rented, or leased, and all vehicles that the school district owns, leases, rents, contracts for, or controls.

D.	The school district will act to enforce this policy and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school personnel, or member of the public who violates this policy.

III.	DEFINITIONS

A.	“Alcohol” includes any alcoholic beverage containing more than one-half of one percent alcohol by volume.

B.	“Controlled substances” include narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, anabolic steroids, or any other controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 United States Code, section 812, including analogues and look-alike drugs.

C.	“Edible cannabinoid product” means any product that is intended to be eaten or consumed as a beverage by humans, contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients, and is not a drug.

D.	“Nonintoxicating cannabinoid” means substances extracted from certified hemp plants that do not produce intoxicating effects when consumed by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or by any other immediate means. 

E.	“Medical cannabis” means any species of the genus cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including whole plant extracts and resins, and is delivered in the form of: (1) liquid, including, but not limited to, oil; (2) pill; (3) vaporized delivery method with use of liquid or oil but which does not require the use of dried leaves or plant form; (4) combustion with use of dried raw cannabis; or (5) any other method approved by the commissioner.

F.	“Possess” means to have on one’s person, in one’s effects, or in an area subject to one’s control.

G.	“School location” includes any school building or on any school premises; in any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities; off school property at any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event, or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district; or during any period of time such employee is supervising students on behalf of the school district or otherwise engaged in school district business.

H.	“Sell” means to sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, distribute or dispose of to another, or to manufacture; or to offer or agree to perform such an act, or to possess with intent to perform such an act.

I.	“Toxic substances” includes: (1) glue, cement, aerosol paint, containing toluene, benzene, xylene, amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, nitrous oxide, or containing other aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, but does not include glue, cement, or paint contained in a packaged kit for the construction of a model automobile, airplane, or similar item; (2) butane or a butane lighter; or (3) any similar substance declared to be toxic to the central nervous system and to have a potential for abuse, by a rule adopted by the commissioner of health.

L.	“Use” means to sell, buy, manufacture, distribute, dispense, be under the influence of, or consume in any manner, including, but not limited to, consumption by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or by any other immediate means. 

IV.	EXCEPTIONS

A.	A violation of this policy does not occur when a person brings onto a school location, for such person’s own use, a controlled substance, except medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, which has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and the person has a physician’s prescription for the substance.  The person shall comply with the relevant procedures of this policy.

B.	A violation of this policy does not occur when a person possesses an alcoholic beverage in a school location when the possession is within the exceptions of Minnesota Statutes section 624.701, subdivision 1a (experiments in laboratories; pursuant to a temporary license to sell liquor issued under Minnesota laws or possession after the purchase from such a temporary license holder).

C.	A violation of this policy does not occur when a person uses or possesses a toxic substance unless they do so with the intent of inducing or intentionally aiding another in inducing intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, except under the direction and supervision of a medical doctor.

D.	The school district may not refuse to enroll or otherwise penalize a patient or person enrolled in the Minnesota Patient Registry Program or a Tribal medical cannabis program as a pupil solely because the patient or person is enrolled in the registry program or a Tribal medical cannabis program, unless falling to do so would violate federal law or regulations or cause the school to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations.

	An employer or a school must provide written notice to a patient at least 14 days before the employer or school takes an action against the patient that is prohibited under Minnesota Statutes, section 342.57, subdivision 3 or 5.  The written notice must cite the specific federal law or regulation that the employer or school believes would be violated if the employer or school fails to take action.  The notice must specify what monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations that the employer or school would lose if the employer or school fails to take action.

	A school or an employer must not retaliate against a patient for asserting the patient’s rights or seeking remedies under Minnesota Statutes, section 342.57 or section 152.32.

	[Note: The 2025 Minnesota legislature amended this law.]

V.	PROCEDURES

A.	Students who have a prescription from a physician for medical treatment with a controlled substance, except medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, must comply with the school district’s student medication policy.

[Note: School districts are required by Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.22 to develop procedures for the administration of drugs and medicine.  If the school district does not have a student medication policy such as MSBA/MASA Model Policy 516, this Paragraph A. can be modified to provide: “Students who have a prescription from a physician for medical treatment with a controlled substance, except medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, must provide a copy of the prescription and the medication to the school nurse, principal, or other designated staff member.  The school district’s licensed school nurse, trained health clerk, principal, or teacher will administer the prescribed medication except medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, in accordance with school district procedures.”]

B.	Employees who have a prescription from a physician for medical treatment with a controlled substance, except medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, are permitted to possess such controlled substance and associated necessary paraphernalia, such as an inhaler or syringe.  The employee must inform his or her supervisor.  The employee may be required to provide a copy of the prescription.

C.	Each employee shall be provided with written notice of this Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School policy and shall be required to acknowledge that he or she has received the policy.

[Note: The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires that school district employees be notified by a published statement of the prohibition of the use of controlled substances and actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.  41 United States Code, section 8103; 34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 84.  An acknowledgment will document satisfaction by the school district of this federal requirement.]

D.	Employees are subject to the school district’s drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures.

E.	Members of the public are not permitted to possess controlled substances, intoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products in a school location except with the express permission of the superintendent.

F.	No person is permitted to possess or use medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products, on a school bus or van; or on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school; or on the grounds of any child care facility.  This prohibition includes (1) vaporizing or combusting medical cannabis on any form of public transportation where the vapor or smoke could be inhaled by a minor child or in any public place, including indoor or outdoor areas used by or open to the general public or place of employment; and (2) operating, navigating, or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle or working on transportation property, equipment or facilities while under the influence of medial cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids, or edible cannabinoid products,.

G.	Possession of alcohol on school grounds pursuant to the exceptions of Minnesota Statutes, section 624.701, subdivision 1a, shall be by permission of the school board only.  The applicant shall apply for permission in writing and shall follow the school board procedures for placing an item on the agenda.

VI.	SCHOOL PROGRAMS

A.	Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the school district must implement a comprehensive education program on cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl, for students in middle school and high school. The program must include instruction on the topics listed in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.215, subdivision 1 and must:

1.	respect community values and encourage students to communicate with parents, guardians, and other trusted adults about cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl; and

2.	refer students to local resources where students may obtain medically accurate information about cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl, and treatment for a substance use disorder.

	[Note:  MDE information on this requirement is provided in the Resources section of this model policy.]

B.	School district efforts to develop, implement, or improve instruction or curriculum as a result of the provisions of this section must be consistent with Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.10 and 120B.11.

C.	Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the school district shall have a procedure for a parent, a guardian, or an adult student 18 years of age or older to review the content of the instructional materials to be provided to a minor child or to an adult student pursuant to this article. The district must allow a parent or adult student to opt out of instruction under this article with no academic or other penalty for the student and must inform parents and adult students of this right to opt out.

VII.	ENFORCEMENT

A.	Students

	1.	Students may be required to participate in programs and activities that provide education against the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, smokeless tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and nonintoxicating cannabinoids, and edible cannabinoid products.

2. 	Students may be referred to drug or alcohol assistance or rehabilitation programs; school based mental health services, mentoring and counseling, including early identification of mental health symptoms, drug use and violence and appropriate referral to direct individual or group counselling service, which may be provide by school based mental health services providers; and/or referral to law enforcement officials when appropriate.

3.	A student who violates the terms of this policy shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the school district’s discipline policy.  Such discipline may include suspension or expulsion from school.

B.	Employees

1.	As a condition of employment in any federal grant, each employee who is engaged either directly or indirectly in performance of a federal grant shall abide by the terms of this policy and shall notify his or her supervisor in writing of his or her conviction of any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in any of the places listed above on which work on a school district federal grant is performed, no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction.  Conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the federal or state criminal drug statutes.

2.	An employee who violates the terms of this policy is subject to disciplinary action, including nonrenewal, suspension, termination, or discharge as deemed appropriate by the school board.

3.	In addition, any employee who violates the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug and/or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school district.  Any employee who fails to satisfactorily participate in and complete such a program is subject to nonrenewal, suspension, or termination as deemed appropriate by the school board.

4.	Sanctions against employees, including nonrenewal, suspension, termination, or discharge shall be pursuant to and in accordance with applicable statutory authority, collective bargaining agreements, and school district policies.

C.	The Public

A member of the public who violates this policy shall be informed of the policy and asked to leave.  If necessary, law enforcement officials will be notified and asked to provide an escort.

Legal References:	Minn. Stat. § 120B.215 (Education on Cannabis Use and Substance Use) 
			Minn. Stat.§ 121A.22 (Administration of Drugs and Medicine)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.40-§ 121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)
Minn. Stat. § 151.72 (Sale of Certain Cannabinoid Products)
Minn. Stat. § 152.01, Subd. 15a (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 152.0264 (Cannabis Sale Crimes)
Minn. Stat. § 152.22, Subd. 6 (Definitions; Medical Cannabis)
Minn. Stat. § 152.23 (Limitations; Medical Cannabis)
Minn. Stat. § 169A.31 (Alcohol-Related School Bus or Head Start Bus Driving)
Minn. Stat. § 340A.101 (Definitions; Alcoholic Beverage)
Minn. Stat. § 340A.403 (3.2 Percent Malt Liquor Licenses)
Minn. Stat. § 340A.404 (Intoxicating Liquor; On-Sale Licenses)
Minn. Stat. § 342.09 (Personal Adult Use of Cannabis)
Minn. Stat. § 342.56 (Limitations)
Minn. Stat. § 609.684 (Abuse of Toxic Substances)
Minn. Stat. § 624.701 (Alcohol in Certain Buildings or Grounds)
20 U.S.C. § 7101-7122 (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
21 U.S.C. § 812 (Schedules of Controlled Substances)
41 U.S.C. §§ 8101-8106 (Drug-Free Workplace Act)
21 C.F.R. §§ 1308.11-1308.15 (Controlled Substances)
34 C.F.R. Part 84 (Government-Wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace)

Cross References:	MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School 
			District Employees)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 416 (Drug and Alcohol Testing)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 417 (Chemical Use and Abuse)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 419 (Tobacco-Free Environment; Possession and use of Tobacco, Tobacco-Related Devices, and Electronic Delivery Devices; Vaping Awareness and Prevention Instruction)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 516 (Student Medication)

Resources:	To support the requirements for school districts and charter schools outlined in Minnesota Statute 2024, section 120B.215, subdivision 2, and in accordance with subdivision 1, MDE, in collaboration with MDH, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and education experts, has created a

List of Model Cannabis Education Programs for School District and Charter School Consideration.

Schools may choose to implement one of the listed programs or they may implement their own program(s) identified through a local curriculum adoption process by the 2026-27 school year. While it is not required for a school district or charter school to use one of the programs in the list, the list and rubric provided may be useful to school districts and charter schools in their own decision-making process.

Please visit MDE’s Health Education webpage for more information.