*Editor’s note: Names in this article have been changed to protect the identities of underage sources 

Once or twice a weekend, I am approached with this question: “Why do you not smoke?” And there are a lot of answers I give:

1. I don’t like the smell.
2. I don’t want to inhale anything into my lungs because I know that it will eventually lead to lung damage or disease. 
3. I never felt the need to. 

Do not get me wrong, I am not opposed to it, nor do I think I am a better person because I do not smoke or use cannabis products. I have a good number of friends who use cannabis products, and I do not care. Sometimes I ask questions out of curiosity, but that is it. 

However, I do still face a lot of peer pressure to just try it. 

I usually end up politely declining, but for the sake of getting everyone to shut up, I started researching.

As any researcher knows, if you want to learn about something, ask other people. If you are also in this boat, join me in listening to what other people have to say. 

Junior kinesiology major Blair Wood* had a really wholesome first experience trying weed at a Fourth of July party. 

“I was completely mesmerized by the fireworks and thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen,” she wrote in an email. “Also, I couldn’t stop staring at the fish tank at the house, and I FaceTimed my friends telling them how cool this fish tank was.”

Okay, that sounds pretty cool. I would love to just sit back and fully enjoy nature and life in general instead of sitting in my room riddled with anxiety. 

Sophomore communication major Charles Evans* got an unusual feeling in his limbs when he first tried weed. 

Okay, I do not vibe with feeling weird in my arms and legs. 

Junior anthropology major Amber James* almost got caught by her mom and overall had a bad first experience with weed at the young age of 14. 

I think everyone understands the sheer terror of almost being caught doing something by your parents, but I cannot say that as a 19-year-old college student I am too worried about being caught by my parents.

(For the sake of my mom and dad reading this, you are cool parents.)

An important thing to note in this conversation is the difference between CBD and THC. THC is the chemical that brings about the high. CBD cannot make you high. When combined with THC, it mellows the high. 

James is a big advocate for CBD. 

“I used CBD products from 16 to 18 for chronic pain, the gel, and it actually helped a lot,” she wrote. 

CBD has become very popular in the last decade, being added to products like lotion and makeup. However, like in James’ case, CBD can be used for chronic pain relief, and there is research to back it up. 

I am personally curious as to how effective this treatment is for menstrual cramps and migraines compared to over-the-counter pain relievers, which can have serious long-term effects. 

James also prefers eating edibles to smoking a joint.

“My favorite is definitely edibles because there’s no scent and a stronger high for less amount. This is nicer in apartments because then you don’t disturb anybody with the smell,” she wrote. 

This is definitely something for people to consider when it comes to how much they spend on cannabis products and if they do not like the weed smell. 

Something that needs to be addressed is addictiveness. Cannabis is a substance, like alcohol, and it is possible to become dependent on weed. Although weed and alcohol can be fun, if you are finding that you or a friend cannot live without them, it is time to ask for help. 

A big question I had was: “How would cannabis products impact someone who uses medication?”

James wrote that weed does not have an impact on her medication and has discussed her use with her psychiatrist and therapist so that they can help her if something does happen. 

We both agree that if you are on any type of medication, you should discuss it with your care team. Do not worry, you will not get in trouble because of confidentiality. 

I still do not think that I will try cannabis recreationally since I do not have a desire or curiosity for it. However, after talking to James, I might look into CBD for chronic pain relief. 

If I do one day decide to try weed, it will not be because of peer pressure, which is the biggest thing I want you all to take away from this. Just because you have friends that are using weed, does not mean that you have to use as well. Real friends do not pressure friends to do things.  

Second, do your research. 

If you are thinking of trying weed, ask your friends about their experiences and also do your own research about dosages, THC and CBD ratios and the different types of cannabis products to find the one that fits best for you. 

Happy 4/20, y’all!