CANNABIS CULTURE ON COLLEGE CAMPUS

Prop. 19 could help students deal with the hard times they'll endure if
they want to attend college or university in California

Every election year there is at least one controversial measure on the
ballot. In 2008, it was Prop 8 and gay marriage. This year the
hot-button issue is the proposed legalization and regulation of
marijuana, Prop. 19.

Proposition 19, if passed, would allow individuals 21 and older to
grow, possess and transport marijuana for their own personal use. But
it would also prohibit those same individuals from possessing
marijuana on school grounds. Marijuana possession is already illegal
on college campuses; I learned that lesson earlier this year while
attending Chabot College in Hayward.

A school where "Mary Jane" wouldn't have a problem being accepted is
Oaksterdam University. Known as Oakland's "Weed College," it opened
three years ago. Oaksterdam has semesters and weekly programs
dedicated to teaching students all that is needed to know about the
cannabis industry.

But with possible legalization, will there be any effect on
traditional college campuses? Will colleges start to resemble the 2001
movie "How High," which featured rap music's version of "Cheech and
Chong"-- Method Man and Redman?

"How High" blessed us with many philosophies about marijuana and in
its place in academia. One of the most well-known philosophies would
be "Study high, take the test high, get high scores." I 'highly'
doubt that there's been a scientific study done that supports that
claim. But I can guarantee that many college students have tried it
and believe that it accurate.

I can see why a lot of colleges and universities across the country
would be against Prop. 19. They don't want their schools' overall
image to take a hit because their students are engaging in marijuana
related activities.

Furthermore, universities could see an increase in drug-related
incidents on their campuses with the legalization of marijuana. Both
are strong arguments for why it could bad business for
universities.

But, since part of the reason why such a measure is even on the ballot
is the possible financial benefits legalizing marijuana could have for
cash-strapped states like California, it makes all the sense in the
world.

With no state budget in sight and UC and CSU students fees currently
at record highs, passing Prop. 19 could help many of students deal
with the hard times they'll endure if they want to attend a college or
university in California, or anywhere else for that matter.

The major concern is: Can college students, who aren't always the most
responsible individuals, handle the responsibility that would come
with the legalization of marijuana?