Miami University Code of Student Conduct (“the Code”) prohibits the “use, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession, or manufacture of any controlled substance or drug except as expressly permitted by law is prohibited. The use, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession, or manufacture of chemicals, products, or materials for the purpose of use as an intoxicant except as expressly permitted by law is also prohibited.” (Code 106(A)).
Typically, this code section is cited when the University receives a complaint that a student possesed illicit drugs or was involved in the sale of illegal drugs (e.g. marijuana, illegal narcotics, drug trafficking). While possessing a tablet or pill prescribed to another person can lead to criminal charges, possessing your own prescribed medicine is not illegal in Ohio. But what about under the Code?
Students have been found “responsible” for violating 106A of the Code when they misuse their prescription medicine. For example, snorting ADD medicine that is not prescribed as a nasal inhalant could lead to being found responsible for violating 106A.
Just because you have a prescription for the medicine does not mean that Miami University will not attempt to regulate your behavior while under that medicine or in how you take that medicine.
It’s important that you speak with an attorney that understands the Code and how it is enforced if you receive a complaint from Miami University’s Office of Community Standards (formerly known as the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution or OESCR).