Recreational marijuana may soon be legal in New York State, and many people at SLU are wondering what implications that could hold.
Marijuana has been legal for use in medicine in New York since 2014, and it was decriminalized in 1977. Its recreational use is currently prohibited in New York. However, 10 states (California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Alaska, Michigan, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine) as well as the District of Columbia already allow its recreational use.
The Food and Drug Administration has mixed feelings on marijuana. In an official statement available on their website, the FDA states that there are companies that market and use cannabis in ways that are in direct violation of the FDA’s policies. “The agency is committed to protecting the public health while also taking steps to improve the efficiency of regulatory pathways for the lawful marketing of appropriate cannabis and cannabis-derived products.”
Feelings at SLU seem somewhat mixed about the potential legalization of recreational marijuana. “I presume that you, you know, might do it after class and forget to do your homework” said Alvin Henry, Assistant Professor of English for St. Lawrence University.
Hannah Lobdell, ’22, stated “I don’t think that medical marijuana is bad. Recreational is kind of questionable but as long as it is kept to a reasonable amount that’s fine by me.” Lobdell also emphasized “As long as driving while high is treated like driving while drunk, I’m fine with it.”
Marijuana has side effects that could potentially impede on a persons ability to do schoolwork. “Many people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation. Other common effects, which may vary dramatically among different people, include heightened sensory perception (e.g., brighter colors), laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite” according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Marijuana usage on campus is currently prohibited. The student handbook of St. Lawrence states “Illegal use, possession and/or sale of marijuana and/or controlled substances; possession of drug paraphernalia as commonly defined (pipes, bongs, etc.) is also prohibited. All illegal drugs, controlled substances and/or drug paraphernalia will be confiscated.”
Many SLU students do still use marijuana despite the policies put in place by both the state and the school. “Everyone already does it anyway, so…yeah.” Said Liam Kearney ’22. However, Kearney believes marijuana being legalized will not significantly affect campus.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing for cannabis to be legalized since January, but his plan of putting the proposal on the budget doesn’t seem to be panning out.
Cuomo’s plan was to put the proposal on the state budget, but that didn’t work out, so it’s likely back to the drawing board.
Marijuana being legalized has already hit some obstacles in New York State. Counties can put restrictions on the sale of the drug even if the state makes it legal, which could make it difficult to legally acquire marijuana if it becomes legal. So it might not end up mattering if the county decides to regulate, or even prohibit, the distribution of the drug.