Michigan school district asks parents to stop smoking marijuana in school parking lot during drop-off, pick-up

"I am reaching out to address a concern that has recently come to our attention, and although it's not a message I expected to write as a school administrator, I feel it is a message that needs to be sent. As the weather warms up and more windows are rolled down during school drop-off and pick-up, we've received multiple reports of a strong odor of marijuana coming from vehicles on school property," Superintendent Neilsen wrote in a letter to families. "Orchard View School is a drug-free zone, and the possession or use of marijuana on school grounds is strictly prohibited."

Nielsen underlined that while the district respects personal choices made outside school grounds, the proximity to students requires stronger restrictions. The letter did not indicate how many smoking incidents occurred or whether law enforcement had been involved, and emphasized that under Michigan state law, it is illegal for anyone to smoke marijuana inside a vehicle, for minors to be in a vehicle where the driver may be under the influence of marijuana, and to drive while under the influence of marijuana.

"Furthermore, in addition to following the expectations concerning marijuana, the district also asks that community members remember smoking and vaping are also prohibited on school grounds, including the parking lots, at any time."

"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families are always our top priority," said Neilsen. "We need everyone's cooperation to maintain a safe, respectful, and lawful environment at our schools. If this issue persists, we will have no choice but to involve law enforcement."

This comes as the Michigan Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer sufficient probable cause for police to search a vehicle. The state legalized recreational marijuana in 2018.