Massachusetts colleges and universities say even if voters legalize marijuana in next month’s referendum, using the drug anywhere on campus, including in dorm rooms, will remain forbidden.

Question 4 would eliminate penalties for possessing, using, or purchasing marijuana starting Dec. 15 and would allow recreational shops to open in 2018.

But marijuana would be legal just for people 21 and over, a group that excludes most college students. And consumption in public places would still be banned.

Colleges and universities say they won’t permit consumption even in private spaces on campus, such as dorm rooms. That’s because almost all schools get federal funding and, therefore, must comply with federal law, under which marijuana remains illegal.

“The use of marijuana is a violation of the university’s code of student conduct,” said Matt McDonald, a spokesman for Northeastern University. It “will remain so regardless of the outcome of next month’s ballot question. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and universities that receive federal funding, as Northeastern does, must comply with those federal statutes.” [Read more at Boston Globe]