Regulation 5141.2
STUDENTS
Medical Cannabi
The administration of medical cannabis by the designated caregiver (parent/guardian/caregiver) is contingent upon the following conditions:
- Both the student (as a qualifying patient) and the parent/guardian/caregiver (as a designated caregiver) have valid registry identification cards under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act and provide copies to the school.
- After administering the medical cannabis, the parent/guardian/caregiver removes the cannabis product from the school premises/property or from the school bus.
In addition to the designated caregiver (parent/guardian/caregiver), the school shall allow a school administrator, school nurse, and/or an administrator’s designee to administer medical cannabis infused products to students who are registered qualifying patients. The administration of medical cannabis by a school administrator, school nurse, and/or an administrator’s designee is contingent upon the following:
- A copy of the valid registry identification card of the student as a registered qualifying patient and the parent or guardian as a registered designated caregiver are filed in the school office. Copies of the cards are retained by the school in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and policies.
- Written authorization from the parent or guardian (registered caregiver) specifying the time or special circumstances in which the cannabis product must be administered is filed in the school office. Authorization documents are retained by the school in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and policies.
- Personnel who elect to administer medical cannabis infused products complete training on the administration of medical cannabis infused products before they administer the cannabis products to any students. The training is completed annually and records documenting the training and completion of the same are submitted to the administration and retained in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and policies.
- All medical cannabis infused products stored on the premises of Diocesan schools pursuant to this regulation are stored at all times in a manner consistent with the storage of other student medications and are accessible only by school administrators and/or school nurses.
In addition to the above, the school may authorize a student to self-administer medical cannabis infused products. A student’s self-administration of medical cannabis is contingent upon the following:
- A copy of the valid registry identification card of the student as a registered qualifying patient and the parent or guardian as a registered designated caregiver are filed in the school office. Copies of the cards are retained by the school in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and policies.
- Written authorization from the parent or guardian (registered caregiver) specifying the time or special circumstances in which the cannabis product must be administered is filed in the school office and is updated/submitted for re-approval at the beginning of every school year. Authorization documents are retained by the school in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and policies.
- The student self-administers the medical cannabis infused product under the direct supervision of a school nurse or school administrator.
- All medical cannabis infused products stored on the premises of Diocesan schools pursuant to this regulation are stored at all times in a manner consistent with the storage of other student medications and are accessible only by school administrators and/or school nurses.
The Diocese and Diocesan schools reserve the right to prohibit the administration of medical infused cannabis products on school premises or before or after normal school activities, including while students are being transported on a school bus or are attending before- or after- school care on school property, if the administration determines that it would create a disruption to the school’s educational environment or would cause exposure of the product to other students.
Neither the Diocese nor any Diocesan school will discipline a student who is administered or who selfadministers a medical cannabis infused product pursuant to this regulation and in compliance with this policy and all applicable laws. Furthermore, neither the Diocese nor any Diocesan school will deny any student's eligibility to attend a Diocesan school solely because the student requires the legal administration of a medical cannabis infused product in accordance with this policy and the law.
Nothing in this regulation requires Diocesan personnel, including its nurses or administrators, to administer a medical cannabis infused product to a student.
Nothing in this regulation requires the Diocese or a Diocesan school to allow the administration of a medical cannabis infused product if doing so would cause the Diocese or school to lose federal funding.
Approved: November 16, 2021
Office of Education
Diocese of Belleville