Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2003
Source: Daily Orange, The (NY Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Orange Corporation
Contact: http://dailyorange.com/main.cfm?include=submit
Website: http://www.dailyorange.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1287
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WHEN 4:20 ROLLS ALONG DO YOU LIGHT UP OR PEACE OUT?

It's the time of year when the holiest of observances take place. Jews have 
Passover, Christians have Easter and stoners have 4/20. Why exactly this 
number bears a certain significance is disputed. Rumors about the number of 
chemicals in THC or the police codes for marijuana violations float around. 
Whether or not any of them are true, 420 is an often recognized axiom when 
pot smokers take time to celebrate the herbal refreshment. In this nature, 
college students speak out about pot smoking and why, in the face of 
D.A.R.E, anti-drug campaigns, medical proof and government regulations, 
they continue to indulge in the recreational pharmaceutical. Former stoners 
give their thoughts as well, commenting on why they chose to kick the wacky 
tabacky to the curb.

"The first time I ever got really high everything was so normal, but no 
matter what we did I couldn't stop laughing. I smoke cause it makes every 
situation 300 times better and it brings together the most random people, 
all of whom can relate on one level: that being high is utopia." Dennis 
Canty, a sophomore at University of Massachusetts at Amherst

"I smoke pot to enhance my sexual performance and brain activity -- 
especially during long exams and reading assignments." Rachel Hinojosa, a 
freshman at Syracuse University

"I smoke bud because it is a way to escape into the life that society tells 
us we cannot live. When you are high, there are no worries, so you are 
living in a carefree world, which is where I want to be." John Mitchell, a 
freshman at Florida State University

"It's not the idea of pot that I hate, it's what it does to people with 
addictive and/or depressed tendencies. I, unfortunately, have both. Doing 
anything recreationally is all good and fine, but pot really takes its toll 
on people and I've seen it in so many people and so many people refuse to 
admit it." Colleen Fisher, former student at Syracuse University

"After two years of heavy use, it stopped being entertaining. Getting high 
doesn't have shit on getting your mind together and being on one of those 
cliche 'natural highs.' Believe me." George Gerard, sophomore at Syracuse 
University
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