#  4.15 Policy Regarding Drugs and Alcohol 

 



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The following policy statement on drugs and alcohol is designed to address the University’s concerns about substance abuse and, along with [The Harvard University Police Department’s Annual Security Report](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report), is designed to ensure that HMS complies with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

The unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, faculty, and staff or their guests on Harvard property or as a part of any Harvard activity is a violation of HMS policy as well as the law. Possession, use, or distribution of certain non-prescription drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and non-prescription synthetics; procurement or distribution of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are violations of the law and of HMS policy. HMS’ policies and procedures also reflect additional expectations for student conduct based on concerns about high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking and the rapid or competitive consumption of alcohol, and their many adverse consequences for students’ health and lives.

Careful note should be taken that HMS is not and should not be considered to be a protector or sanctuary from the existing laws of the city, state, or federal government. All members of the HMS community are expected to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with all HMS rules governing the possession or serving of alcohol. HMS holds its students, faculty, and staff responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol. Additionally, the misuse of prescription drugs (sharing, buying, or using in a manner different from that prescribed) is a violation of University policy.

Although Massachusetts law now permits adults aged 21 or older to possess and consume marijuana under certain circumstances, federal law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on Harvard property or as part of a Harvard activity. Thus, even if possession or use of marijuana would be permitted under Massachusetts law, it remains prohibited on campus.

A social host may, under certain circumstances, be held liable for injuries caused by a guest who, having consumed alcohol on the host’s premises, does harm to himself or herself or to a third party. In addition, a social host will be liable for injuries to third parties if the host knew or should have known that the guest was intoxicated, but nevertheless gave the guest, or permitted the guest to take, an alcoholic drink.

Community members are reminded that there are heavy penalties, including imprisonment, for possession or distribution of illicit drugs. There are also serious penalties for anyone who operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with an open container of alcohol.

*Health Concerns*: Substance abuse is potentially harmful to health. In particular, synthetically produced drugs often have unpredictable emotional and physical side effects that constitute an extreme health hazard. Students, faculty, and staff should also weigh the seriousness of the potential loss of function that may come from using illicit drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Because of the considerable health risks involved in drug and alcohol use, resources are available to assist the Harvard community in understanding and dealing with drug and alcohol abuse problems. Harvard students can learn about the dangers of substance abuse and get information about treatment and counseling options available to the Harvard community through the [Harvard](http://aods.harvard.edu/) [University Services](http://aods.harvard.edu/). For more information on Harvard’s resources, students may consult the HUHS website, [Information and Resources](http://huhs.harvard.edu/), or contact the Office of Student Affairs. Additional health information is included in the, [Harvard University Police Department’s Annual Security Report](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report).

HMS may take disciplinary action against students who violate these policies. Such action may include, for example, satisfactory participation in a substance abuse treatment, counseling, or education program as a condition of reinstatement or continued enrollment at Harvard, as well as suspension or withdrawal, dismissal, expulsion, and/or referral for prosecution.

[Additional information about alcohol and other drug policies can be found in Harvard's Annual Security Report issued by the Harvard University Police Department, and incorporated here by reference](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/drug-and-alcohol-policy).

*Updated 7/16/25*