Cannabis

The Health and Wellness Education Office offers students opportunities to learn more about the possible impacts of cannabis use and how various delivery methods influence personal wellness. Meet with your preferred health and wellness educator.

Taking a Tolerance Break

For current users, a tolerance break (or T-Break) is a great way to rebalance your lifestyle. Our friends at UVM have developed a handy guide to support you through yours. Check it out.

Middlebury’s Policy

Use or possession of cannabis on the Middlebury College campus violates the College’s drug policy. Though this contrasts the recent legislation at the state level in Vermont, Middlebury is guided by federal law, in short, to maintain support from federal funding for various programs and student financial aid. Outside of Middlebury College property, using or possessing cannabis under the age of 21 violates Vermont state law. Students traveling to or near Canada are encouraged to consider that border enforcement personnel work under the guidance of federal law.

Programs

Students can sign up for any of the offerings below any time and also may be sanctioned to attend by a conduct officer. To request a different program for yourself, your hall, organization, or team, please contact Anna Hand.

• BASICS (Balancing Alcohol and Substances for Improved College Success) is an evidence-based intervention program that typically runs over the course of one to three 45-60 minute in-person sessions where participants are provided a nonjudgmental confidential space to talk openly about their relationship to substances. BASICS explores patterns of use, provides education about risk reduction if a participant chooses to engage in further use, and gives participants opportunities to make plans for how they want substances to play a role in their lives. Depending on the need of the participant, substances discussed include alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, psychedelics, and others. At the completion of the first session of BASICS, the participant and Health Educator will arrange follow up meetings as necessary, usually within 5-10 days of the first session. Sign up.
   
• My Story (A Brief AOD Intervention)
  My Story is a brief intervention that consists of several confidential individual 60-minute sessions over the course of a few weeks with a Health Educator from Health and Wellness Education to explore one’s personal relationship with substance use, get individualized feedback, and learn about support services. This program follows an evidence-based curriculum that gives participants structured time for verbal and written reflection, and is appropriate for discussion about all substances including the use of alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, psychedelics, opioids, and more. At the completion of the first session, the participant and Health Educator will arrange follow-up meetings spaced out over the next month. Sign up. 

Be an Ally

• Support friends that choose not to use drugs in social settings. Whether you have friends that are in-season athletes, in recovery, taking a tolerance break, or just choosing not to drink for the night, be a good friend and back them up if you see them facing social pressure.
• Everyone loves a good host. If providing a gathering space, make sure food and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Make them fun too! The internet is full of great ideas. Pro tip: it’s good to understand the College’s alcohol policies before agreeing to host a party.
• Look out for other party-goers. Decision making becomes impaired while using substances. Step up if you see someone in a vulnerable situation!

Cannabis Harm Reduction

Before Using Cannabis

• Do your homework first. To ensure your best work, it is important to finish it while sober. Plus, this will make it one less thing to think about while you are trying to enjoy time with friends or relax.
• Think about the why. Constantly reflect on what you want out of a relationship with cannabis, and try to recognize when there are other ways to get that effect that don’t include use.
• Know the laws. It is important to keep current with state and federal laws. At this time, cannabis is prohibited on campus, regardless of age.

While Using Cannabis

• Start low & go slow. Pick a low THC mode of use, especially if it is a first time experience.
• Do not drive (while high or for at least 6 hours after). Cannabis use can impair cognitive and motor function, making it dangerous to drive or operate machinery while under the influence.

After Using Cannabis

• Continuously reflect on your use. Take some time to reflect on why you use cannabis, how it makes you feel, and any impacts you may notice within different areas of your life (physical, social, academic, etc.)
• Take a tolerance break. Taking a break now does not have to decide what you do forever, but it can provide a moment to do more reflection and see the whole picture of the role a substance like cannabis may play in your life. You can do a guided t-break using resources in our office.  

General Harm Reduction

Before engaging in substance use of any kind, consider the following:

• Medical conditions that carry elevated risk
• Medications that may cause dangerous interactions
• The safety of the environment (e.g. calm, familiar setting)
• Communication with trusted friends and/or family members
• Emergency plans in the event of an incident

Resources and Support

Note: this list is not a full list of resources available.

• Make an appointment. Talk to a health educator on campus by visiting our Make an Appointment page or by emailing Health and Wellness Education.
• Visit community resources. The Turning Point Center of Addison County is conveniently located within Middlebury. VT Helplink is a state-level alcohol and drug support center.
• Contact a national resource center. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a National Helpline (1-800-662-4357).