On July 1st, Mary Jane became an official Oregonian. After years of hiding away in Altoid tins, only making an appearance at the Oregon Country Fair, she is finally legal.
Before, only those with particular medical conditions were legally permitted to smoke weed. Laws have changed, but not without some limitations. Though getting high is perfectly legal for anyone over 21, it is illegal to buy or sell marijuana. That’s right, you can be stoned, but you can’t buy weed. So how do you get it? It is legal to give or receive it as a gift and it is legal to grow it. Until October, the stoners will be forced to pick up gardening.
Limitations aside, Eugene is welcoming Mary Jane with open arms. Personally, I’m not so sure.
As a college student, weed can be hard to avoid. Getting high is a recreational sport for some, an everyday activity. Mary Jane can be spotted at every party, at your friend’s apartment, or even in your dorm hall. Despite being illegal, it’s always been pretty accessible.
I voted yes on Measure 91. I don’t shame the people around me for smoking, but I’ve seen what weed can do. “Weed is a gateway drug”, we’ve all rolled our eyes at the phrase. I don’t think recreational smoking will lead to your downfall, but it can become a crutch.
Some smoke to relax, some smoke to get to sleep, some smoke to smile.
When you imagine a friend who smokes every day, you picture a stereotypical stoner. You picture the guy in the drum circle who vaguely smells like the dump, when, in fact, he could be one of the most intelligent people you know. He could be someone who will do something revolutionary.
But when some of my friends are high, something changes. The brilliant guy is robbed of his drive and motivation. The high cheers him up in short term, but it also overwhelms him with laziness. Whether Mary Jane is helping or hindering him becomes a mystery.
This sluggish feeling is an indulgence. When you get high everyday, it becomes a burden. He can’t reach his potential with weed constantly slowing him. He admits that, if he had the willpower, he’d quit smoking altogether.
Smoking is an expensive habit for those who are buying illegally. I know people who spend every cent they earn on cannabis. Over time, daily smoking will become quite expense. And people wonder why college students are so poor.
I should recognize that this is not the case for everyone. Some of the most influential musicians in history owe their greatness to drug addiction, as crazy as that sounds. Addiction to weed might be impossible, but I have seen people abuse weed like any other intoxicant.
Becoming emotionally dependent is as dangerous as addiction. Some become too reliant on weed to get through the day. Depending on a substance to stay happy could be considered an addiction or a remedy. Either way, dependence is risky. Weed isn’t entirely harmless and I have seen it used recklessly.
Like any indulgence, marijuana should be used in moderation. Weed might not kill, but it can slow you down. Regardless, Mary Jane is here to stay.
Well, at least it’s organic.