Mixed emotions about Marijuana

I purposely ignored the news last week because the constant election coverage was as annoying as my uncle’s impersonation of Larry the Cable Guy.

Consequently, I was shocked when my pothead neighbor gleefully informed me that marijuana was legalized in two states. What was even more shocking is that Vermont wasn’t one of the states. I have been there quite a few times and have witnessed a number of “Vermonters” who enjoyed their herb way more than maple syrup.

Illustration by Lydia Burris

Nonetheless, Washington and Colorado have scored major brownie points with major brownie eaters.

As my day progressed, I couldn’t help but wonder what life will be like for the people in Washington and Colorado. I cannot imagine a life where a walk with your Labradoodle at the park might also entail waving to old men playing checkers while smoking their bongs.

I can’t fathom standing behind a mother and her three kids at the local gas station purchasing cherry slurpees for the kids and a big fatty for her — weird, huh? The word “dude” could replace the word “sir” and tie-dye T-shirts may re-emerge as a fashion staple for everyone.

Okay, maybe I am being a little stereotypical, but I am certain a statue of Jerry Garcia will be in at least one town square for the birds to perch on.

As you can probably tell by now, I am not a marijuana user. I dabbled here and there with it in my past, but now the only thing I prefer to roll are my blue jeans and a rare Benjamin Franklin that makes a brief appearance in my wallet. However, I understand the appeal and its followers’ demand for it to be legalized.

I think it is ridiculous that people receive prison time for smoking something that grows from our earth’s soil. There are more damaging effects from the intake of alcohol than weed. I would rather spend an evening with someone who is high and demanding Taco Bell than with a sloppy, nasty drunk who is demanding a toilet.

With that said, I am not thrilled with the decisions in Colorado and Washington. Not because I feel that marijuana is evil and using it should be considered a criminal act, but because I believe it should be a private one.  Back when I was dabbling with the drug, it was in my own home or other secluded settings with close friends. I have never considered smoking it in a public setting, let alone allowing for the possibility of children or my elders having to endure my usage.

I may not like the decision our friends in the West have made, but I respect it with hopes they do the same: respect the people around them that may not share their love of the drug. I am sure many states will follow their lead by allowing their residents to come out of their smoke-filled closets. My hope is that the majority of them still consider it to be something that is done in a discrete area, like in a garage while sitting on a torn up couch with Led Zeppelin playing from a record player — you know, how nature intended it.

by Gianine Nelson

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