NEW CUMBERLAND — Beginning today, students in Hancock County Schools will have to comply with a new policy governing the possession and use of “industrial hemp products,” on school property.

During Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education, a new policy – Policy JKA, otherwise known as the THC Hemp Policy – was passed unanimously.

The policy was first brought before the board during its Oct. 15 regular meeting, and put into a 30-day period for public comment. Some adjustments, based on comments and legal guidance, were made during the board’s Oct. 28 meeting, with the public comment cycle ending Nov. 13.

“It has come off of the 30-day comment period,” explained Hancock County Schools Superintendent Dan Enich.

Upon a question from board member Gerard Spencer, Enich noted the policy, after being approved, will go into effect today within the school system.

The policy was developed following several reported incidents with students being found in possession of such items on school property, with Enich saying such use affects not only those using the items, but others as well.

“It presents a clear and present danger to their health, welfare and safety,” Enich said of the use of THC and hemp products.

The policy notes “the use and possession of hemp based products in the school by students presents a clear danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the Board’s students and employees. All students shall be made aware of this policy and its requirements as explained herein.”

The West Virginia Legislature already has adopted regulations concerning hemp and hemp products, under West Virginia Code Chapter 19, Article 12E, with the school policy focusing on items such as vapes, vape pens, carts, cart pens, Penjamin cart pens, “and any other device used to store and deliver a hemp based product.”

Under state code, those under the age of 21 possessing such a product can be charged with a misdemeanor, and face jail time of up to one year or a fine of up to $1,000.

According to Enich, violation of the new policy will be considered a Level 3 violation of the student code of conduct. The policy notes such violations by students “may result in an out of school suspension for up to ten days and possible expulsion for up to one school year.”

Areas covered by the policy include educational facilities within the county school system, on school grounds, on school buses, or at any school-sponsored function or event.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com