During the midterm elections this year, voters got the chance to decide on Proposal One, a decision that was highly debated in the past: recreational marijuana. The drug was already legal for medicinal purposes, and, after a four-year effort, it was legalized for recreational uses, as well. The law took effect on Dec. 6.

Don’t expect to be using it for a few years, though, at least if you’re a student. One of the restrictions to this law is age: 21 years or older, like the restriction for alcohol consumption. This means the consequences for having any amount of weed in school will still be heavily enforced.

“There is no hurry to get into trouble,” Utica mayor Thom Dionne said. “Before you know it, you will be 21, and will be able to decide if these things are for you or not.”

In addition to legal consequences, students will also face school consequences, as well. But what are those consequences?

“Students caught in possession of marijuana or paraphernalia will receive a minimum of ten days out of school suspension,” security specialist John Perry said. “The Utica High School policy regarding drugs has not changed at all.”

While this issue was debated in the past, opposition brought up points such as drugged driving. With the legalization, however, this issue has been considered. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana, as decided by the state. This will be enforced by all officers.

“I have spoken with people of all ages that don’t believe driving under the influence of marijuana has any effect on them,” school resource police officer Jacob Lukas said. “They couldn’t be more wrong. Studies have shown that driving under the influence of marijuana is very unsafe.”

The future for weed is still unfolding, and changes are yet to come.