Tougher marijuana penalties raise concerns at Xavier

By Madison Word

College students and university administrators across Louisiana are navigating new legislation that took effect Aug. 1, 2026, increasing penalties for marijuana possession on or near school campuses.

The law directly affects Xavier University of Louisiana, raising questions among students about enforcement and potential consequences.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 568 into law in May 2026, increasing penalties for marijuana possession and use in school zones. The legislation, known as Act 305, increases certain violations from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

“The university has a responsibility to provide clear guidance while keeping the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community at the center of our decisions,” said Xavier President Reynold Verret in a statement provided to The Xavier Herald.

“We got a notification from the Board of Regents that the Governor and state legislation passed off a new law, Act 305, which made marijuana or possession of marijuana or its products… within 2,000 ft feet of a school zone, which was inclusive of our university, it made that now a felony charge,” said Curtis Wright, the university’s vice president of student affairs.

Under the law, individuals found in violation could face arrest and prosecution through Louisiana’s criminal justice system. The university also provides counseling and educational interventions intended to help students reflect on their decisions and develop plans to move forward.

Wright and Xavier University Police Department Chief Sarina Davenport sent emails to students explaining the new legislation and emphasizing the seriousness of its enforcement.

“Students may not use Xavier University addresses, including residence halls or other campus locations, to receive prohibited products,” the email stated. “We encourage all students to make informed and responsible decisions and to comply with Louisiana law and University policies. Our priority is maintaining a safe campus community for everyone.”

However, some students believe the campus community may not be taking the changes seriously enough. They worry that students may not fully understand the potential consequences of their actions until they experience them firsthand.

Those consequences could extend beyond college, affecting students long after graduation.

“As college students, we don’t fully understand the consequences of our actions sometimes until it happens to us directly or someone we know,” said Micah Davis, a junior public health major from Madison, Mississippi.

University leaders, however, believe students are taking the new law seriously and remain confident in the campus resources available to support them.

“Xavier University of Louisiana remains committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our students, faculty, and staff,” Verret said in his statement.

Questions also remain about whether the law will be enforced consistently across colleges and universities in the surrounding area. As a historically Black university, Xavier primarily serves Black students, raising concerns about the potential for racial disparities in enforcement.

“It’s reasonable to question whether enforcement will be consistent and equitable,” Davis said. “Black communities have seen discrepancies in criminal justice outcomes and marijuana-related arrests.”

Wright acknowledged those concerns, saying the university recognizes the history of racial disparities in marijuana law enforcement and the disproportionate impact those practices have had on the Black community.

“As Louisiana’s laws regarding marijuana evolve, the university continues to review those changes carefully while ensuring that our policies remain consistent with applicable federal and state requirements,” Verret said.

Despite the potential legal consequences, Wright emphasized that students who find themselves facing violations will continue to have access to university support.

“If they find themselves in that place, they are not alone, and as an institution, we are going to walk right with them to figure out how we can support them,” Wright said.

To view the entire law, visit Louisiana Act 305.