Alcohol & Drugs

If you choose to use alcohol and illegal drugs, you should be aware of the consequences. For information on Virginia laws surrounding drug and alcohol use, see VCU's official drug and alcohol policy.

Alcohol

It is against the law for individuals under the age of 21 to buy, possess or consume alcohol, and to use fake IDs to do so. Read the complete Virginia alcohol law here.

Marijuana

As of July 2021, there are no civil or criminal penalties for persons 21 years of age and older who possess up to one ounce of marijuana. 

It remains a civil violation for those under 21 to possess marijuana and is punished with a $25 fine and mandatory substance abuse programming. (Additional information is available on https://www.cannabis.virginia.gov/.) 

Due to marijuana remaining a federally-controlled substance, its possession on VCU property is prohibited. Marijuana possession can result in a Student Code of Conduct violation.