iCHAMP

Individualized College Health for Alcohol and Marijuana Project

What is iCHAMP?

The goal of iCHAMP at Missouri S&T is to motivate students to reduce risky behaviors associated with marijuana use. iCHAMP will provide you with a structured opportunity to assess your own risk, identify potential changes that could work for you, and help you to reduce your risk for developing future problems. 

The iCHAMP program consists of two 60 minute sessions spaced out over a two week span. The first session includes screening, marijuana education, and goal setting. The second session provides personalized feedback about marijuana use, risks, protective factors, and consequences experienced, as well as norms clarification, ways to reduce future risks, and options to assist in making changes. 

iCHAMP is designed for any student who seeks to reduce risky behaviors and harmful consequences of marijuana use by utilizing a harm reduction approach. Participation in iCHAMP is also designed to assist students who smoke heavily and are experiencing negative consequences as a result of their high-risk use. iCHAMP referrals may be made by any member of the campus community - simply contact Student Well-Being at wellbeing@mst.edu or 573.341.4211.

There is no charge for a student who voluntarily attends iCHAMP.

What is Cannabis?

Also known as: cannabis sativa, cannabis, marijuana, weed, pot, grass, mary jane, budder, ganja.

**December 2022 Update: As the state of Missouri recently legalized recreational marijuana for those 21 and older, we wanted to remind our campus community that due to federal regulations, any use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of marijuana remains prohibited on the campus or at any university-sponsored or university-supervised event. Our campus remains in compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. For more information, read the UMSystem press release here.

Cannabis, commonly known as Marijuana or weed, is a drug is made from the dried leaves, stems, and buds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. This plant, and subsequent drug, has over 480+ active molecules, like THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is believed to be the primary ingredient that causes the psychoactive effects. There are multiple routes of administration for cannabis, including smoking or vaping, ingesting, tinctures, concentrates, dabbing, etc. For more general information on cannabis, click here.

Short term effects include altered senses, changes in mood, impaired body movement, difficulty problem solving, and impaired memory. Long term effects include breathing issues, increased heart rate, impacts on brain development, and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (which causes the user to cycle severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration).

Cannabis use, in any forms, is prohibited on S&T's campus. College campuses (ours included) fall under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), a federal act which uses the federal regulations and laws related to drugs. While state and local regulations may change related to cannabis usage, federal law under the DFSCA applies to college campuses. For more information about DFSCA, click here.

 

The safest thing you can do is not use cannabis, however, if you do choose to use Cannabis, consider these safety tips

  • If using edibles, start with low dosing, slowly
  • Stay hydrated
  • Don't drive
    • Driving while high is called Drugged Driving and is illegal. Find somewhere you can safely be for the duration of your high, plan alternative transport, or a find a sober driver
  • CBD can interact with some medications - talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have