Below are pertinent policies, laws & regulations you may be subject to for alcohol and/or other drug offenses.

Drug convictions impact more than your arrest record and wallet. In accordance with the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005, students who have been convicted under federal or state law for possession or sale of a controlled substance will be suspended from Title IV (federal) aid eligibility if the offense occurred while the student was receiving Title IV aid.

If a student is convicted for possession, the ineligibility period begins as of the date of the conviction and is:

  • First offense = one year
  • Second offense = two years
  • Third offense = indefinite

If a student is convicted for sale of an illegal substance, the ineligibility period begins as of the date of the conviction and is:

  • First offense = two years
  • Second offense = indefinite

A student may regain eligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the Department of Education. More information is available by calling the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243.

CU Boulder Student Conduct Code 

Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling alcoholic beverages in violation of law or university policies are prohibited by the Student Conduct Code.  If an underage student is in a Housing and Dining Services facility, this prohibition includes a student who knew, or reasonably should have known, s/he was in the presence of alcoholic beverages, or possessed, displayed, or was in the presence of an alcohol container or containers.  In the case of a student who is found responsible via the student conduct process to have endangered the health, safety, or welfare of an individual through the provision of alcohol, the minimum disciplinary sanction shall be suspension. 

Possessing, using, providing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling drugs or drug paraphernalia in violation of law or university policies are prohibited by the Student Conduct Code.  Use or possession of marijuana, including Medical Marijuana used or possessed under Colorado Constitution Article 18, section 14, is strictly prohibited on campus.  Any such use or possession is a violation of the Student Conduct Code.  If the violation occurs in a Housing and Dining Services facility, this prohibition includes a student who knew, or reasonably should have known, s/he was in the presence of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.  In the case of a student who is found responsible via the student conduct process to have endangered the health, safety, or welfare of an individual through the provision of drugs, the minimum disciplinary sanction shall be suspension.   

For more information on prohibited student conduct, see section F of the Student Conduct Code Policies and Procedures.  

For more information on sanctions including up to and including expulsion, see section I of the Student Conduct Code Policies and Procedures.

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CU Boulder Alcohol & Other Drugs Policy

In compliance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University of Colorado Boulder prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance (illicit drugs and alcohol) of any kind and of any amount. This prohibition applies even if the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card to an individual, permitting that individual to possess a limited amount of marijuana for medicinal purposes; those with medical marijuana cards are not permitted to use medical marijuana on campus. These prohibitions cover any individual's actions which are part of any university activities, including those occurring while on university property or in the conduct of university business away from the campus.  It is a violation of university policy for any member of the faculty, staff, or student body to jeopardize the operation or interests of the University of Colorado through the use of alcohol or drugs. Sanctions that will be imposed by the University of Colorado for employees who are found to be in violation of this policy may include expulsion and/or termination of employment. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment for all employees. 

More information

Colorado Laws and Regulations

Below is a partial list of state laws, regulations, and penalties regarding sale and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  Due to the volume of statutes, we are unable to list them all.  For a complete listing, please visit the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) publication website. 

Sale and distribution:
Colorado Revised Statute, Title 12: Professions and Occupations

  • Fermented malt beverages: CRS 12-46
  • Alcohol beverages: CRS 12-47
  • Liquors – special event permits: CRS 12-48
  • Medical marijuana: CRS 12-43.3
Possession, comsumption & furnishing:
Colorado Revised Statute, Title 18: Criminal Code
  • Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person: CRS 18-13-122
  • Furnishing cigarettes or tobacco products to minors: CRD 18-13-121
  • Unlawful administration of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or ketamine: CRS 18-13-123
  • Uniformed controlled substances act of 1992, offenses and penalties: CRS 18-18-4  
  • Sentencing in criminal cases: CRS 18-1.3
Driving Under the Influence (DUI & DWAI)
Colorado Revised Statute, Title 42: Vehicles & Traffic
  • Alcohol and other drug offenses: CRS 42-4
  • Penalties & procedure: CRS 42-17

Boulder City Code Alcohol Offenses

Boulder City Code Marijuana Offenses

Federal Trafficking Penalties