'THE SPIRIT OF CANNABIS'

Some UA students 'celebrated' 4/20 day in the darndest places

For many years now, April 20 has been a sacred day for unknown masses from
all ages, faiths and origins who gather at different areas of the country
to celebrate the benefits they get from the plant lifestyle as the time in
their region strikes 4:20 p.m.

Many people who take part in the supposed joys of blunts, bowls and taters
typically do so in private, but then there are some who risk taking part in
this subculture holiday out in public places.

Some even do it on the Quad.

Midway from the sidewalk in the center of the Quad and the corner of
Colonial Drive and University Boulevard is a set of three benches where at
least four male students set some Mary Jane to flame, and two of them
agreed to talk to The Crimson White as they soaked up the blue skies, sun
rays and temperate weather the day offered.

"It's been such a beautiful day," said one student, who had begun taking
part in the day's festivities just minutes beforehand. "It's great to be
out here celebrating."

April 20 is a holiday regardless of whether it's "on the books" because it
is "nature's holiday," he said.

"It's a movement," he said, "because it inspires thought and diversity."

Both described themselves as responsible adults and future leaders of
America who see nothing wrong with the use of marijuana because their use
of it didn't create a threat to anyone.

One said this was because of the positive mindset that smoking marijuana
puts people in and, much like the spirit of Christmas, "the spirit of
cannabis" was something that could bring peace to the world if practiced
year-round.

He said smoking marijuana on April 20 is also a way to protest the War on
Drugs, a program he said is a waste of government funding because it is
ineffective and treats minorities in the United States unfairly.

"Everybody is doing this," he said.

The other student said marijuana should be legal because it takes the edge
off people in ways similar to alcohol but has less harmful side effects
and, in some cases, even increases his ability to do things.

"It makes me kayak better," he said.

They decided to smoke out on the Quad at 4:20 p.m. because they had a class
that was in the area that ended at 4:15, he said.

"Even if you have responsibilities, you can still make time for [smoking
marijuana]," one said.

Five high school students in California christened the term "4:20" in 1971
by meeting daily at that time to smoke pot under the school's statue of
Louis Pasteur, according to High Times, a marijuana-centered magazine.

Upon hearing the news of the celebration of the 4/20 faithful on the Quad,
Dean of Students Tom Strong said he was disappointed.

"It's unfortunate when [people] purposely choose to violate the law," he said.

There were no police officers seen in the area before or after the event
took place.

One student said he doesn't see the wrong that people are accused of having
done when they smoke pot.

"How is this hurting society?" he said.