Board flags cannabis language in MSBA policy updates, asks committee to study prescription exception

Trustees at the Leroy-Ostrander Public Schools meeting on April 16 reviewed redline policy updates from the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) that insert the term "cannabis" into several existing policy sections.

During discussion of the policy packet, a trustee noted that the district’s current policy language does not include the word "cannabis" and that the MSBA redline versions explicitly add it. The trustees singled out the drug-free workplace policy and asked whether a medical prescription for cannabis would be allowed on campus under the updated language.

The board approved the second reading of policies 407–410 and the first reading of policies 412–419 while directing the policy committee to research the prescription exception for cannabis (policy 418 or applicable sections) and report findings at next month’s meeting. Administrators and trustees indicated they want clear guidance before adopting final language to ensure consistency with state law and student/staff medical accommodations.

The discussion produced no change to current practice at the meeting; trustees said the committee will return with a recommendation.