‘Higher’ education

The University of Toledo has been getting a lot of attention for its "green" initiatives lately. National, regional and city media outlets have been reporting on the Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization and on alternative energy advancements pioneered by UT professors. Students have been commended for their contributions to energy conservation through the UT Blackout program, while the construction going on around campus has been LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. There is another notable way in which this campus can and should go "green," however, one that might have as many positive consequences as any environmental policy.


We are, of course, referring to the legalization of marijuana, for either medicinal or recreational use. Didn't see that one coming, did you? While this might not be the noblest fight we've ever fought, we couldn't be a good liberal college student newspaper without defending the enjoyment of a little "sticky icky."


The prohibition of this wonder drug is rather unfortunate as it has a number of potential positive effects for universities and college students. Marijuana cultivation would fit right in on this campus as another "green" initiative, for example. Though UT possesses an award-winning Centennial Mall, growing more green plants on campus would increase the production of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Trees, bushes and shrubs could do the same thing, but you can't smoke any of those — can you?

Making pot legal would also help students to meet each other and expand their social and intellectual horizons. Few things will bond college students as quickly or as profoundly as sharing a good blunt. All that time spent sitting around in a hazy, dimly lit room gives rise to periods of quality conversation where the participants share details of their respective cultural, religious, political and philosophical views. The only downside, however, is that you might not be able to remember the mind-blowing revelation you experienced after the third or fourth hit. But, uuuhhhh … uuuhhhh … where were we going with that?

Smoking pot is also a great way for students to relax. Exams and midterms can be quite stressful and, without any mechanism to release the tension, the academic performance and health of students will undoubtedly suffer. Sure, we can exercise, listen to soothing music or meditate, but smoking weed would just be so much easier.


Delighting in reefer will also have positive effects on the economy. Ingestion of THC on a wide scale will cause college students to use their moderate level of income to support local restaurants and convenience marts. This is perhaps one of the best ways to immediately stimulate the businesses surrounding campus and eventually provide for a more affluent Dorr Street. The munchies can be an economic engine in good financial times as well as recessions, putting more "green" in everyone's pocket.


Sure, the proposed increase of funding to Pell Grants and education from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and President Barack Obama are all well and good, but a move to decriminalize pot is what this country's college students really need. After all, what would "higher" education be without it?