Rutgers University is following Nancy Reagan's advice. New Jersey's largest university is just saying no to the marijuana-growing business.
The institution of higher education has declined a request from Gov. Chris Christie to become the only grower of the state's medical marijuana crop.
The university issued a statement Friday saying marijuana's status as an illegal drug would jeopardize millions of dollars in federal funding to the school.
"There is no way for Rutgers to be involved in this initiative without violating the federal Controlled Substances Act, which we will not do," the statement says. "If there is a change in federal law or a change in the classification of marijuana, Rutgers would be willing to reexamine a possible role for the university."
Becoming a state marijuana supplier would be a first for any university. Private businesses grow the drug in the 13 other states that permit medicinal marijuana.
The state's legislature approved a plan to allow patients with certain chronic illnesses to access marijuana. Christie suggested the marijuana be grown by Rutgers and distributed by the state's teaching hospitals.
Implementation of the law has been delayed until January to give state health officials time to work out details.
