[Eric_Berger]

While I have a strong opinion that the legalization of marijuana is a bad idea, I'll leave my politics out of this...

But, as a High Pi, the 1982 General Assembly adopted the following resolution regarding ILLEGAL drugs ("Read your Constitutions and Statutory Codes", said the old High Pi):

"Be It Resolved by Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, duly convened at the 1982 General Assembly, that the following be adopted as the official policy of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity:

POLICY ON ILLEGAL DRUGS

Recognizing that the use of illegal drugs has adversely affected the morale, operations, and standards of its collegiate Chapters/Colonies, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity adopts this policy related to the use of such drugs within the Fraternity.

1. There shall be no possession or use of illegal drugs, including related paraphernalia, in Chapter/Colony houses, on Fraternity premises, at Fraternity functions wherever held, or in any other fashion that would be connected in any way with the Fraternity. Violation by a member or a Chapter/Colony is an offense against the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, which shall not be tolerated.

2. Chapters/Colonies are to strictly enforce this policy as prescribed in Article X of the Constitution, as well as to take a positive educational approach on illegal drugs in preventing problems affecting a Chapter/Colony.

3. The Grand High Zeta is directed to take the necessary action, where warranted, to enforce this policy as to individual members and Chapters and Colonies.

4. The Administrative Staff is further directed to obtain and/or develop appropriate materials for an educational program dealing with drug usage. The materials should be appropriate whether or not a Chapter/Colony currently has a drug problem.

5. The Fraternity encourages each Chapter/Colony to implement a comprehensive educational program dealing with drug usage and its injurious effects on the individual member and on the well-being of our Chapters/Colonies.

6. The Fraternity's position is based upon the recognition that clear evidence exists that the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is both injurious to the individual member and detrimental to the well-being of its Chapters/Colonies."

As things currently stand, it looks pretty clear to me that use in a Chapter house, on Chapter property, at a Chapter event (regardless of location), or in any way that would reflect on Lambda Chi Alpha violates fraternity policy and will be punished.

As for individuals using illegal drugs, I stand firmly in the "conduct unbecoming a gentleman" corner.

I think Brother Cooper's initial post says it all: "However the Canadian government is now de-criminalizing pot possession... ie. it is still illegal, but it is only a ticketable offense, roughly equivelent to jaywalking or creating a public disturbance."

"It is still illegal" means it is still illegal! Therefore, I would think that the 1982 Resolution and Policy still stand.

in ZAX,
Eric