* Name changed to protect privacy

    How can I be more blunt? On the weekends, I like to get “Half Baked” instead of getting a hundred percent baked with my friends. No, I’m not talking about becoming partially stoned, rather going to the cute bakery downtown. The addicting desserts can get me thinking about them for hours. In fact, if the cupcakes had profiles on dating websites, I would go out with all of those bad boys. They could satisfy me more than any real bad boy could. Essentially, eating clean brownies and making dope puns are the little things that bring me joy. Not that they don’t make others happy, but for me it’s everything I need to be content with my life, and that’s okay. Although I wouldn’t recommend it, I am not here to tell people that doing drugs is wrong. It’s a personal decision and I respect people regardless of their choices…for the most part.

    “I am going to peer pressure you into smoking pot, because why not? You’re just jealous,” said Mary Jane,* my favorite stoner and fellow friend. Really? I did not realize that when someone politely refuses to use drugs it translated into jealousy or a weakness. My individual lifestyle should be of no concern to others. At the same time it made me feel down. Mary Jane laughing at my refusal bothered me in the back of my mind. It’s always harder to stand up to my friends because I value their beliefs and how they perceive me. After all, there’s a reason why they are my friends. I share common interests with these people, and when there’s a conflict of interest it suddenly doesn’t make sense. ‘High’ is a friendly greeting, not a way of life for myself or my friends. I wish more people would respect that then, I wouldn’t feel like bonging everyone on their heads.

    Peer pressure weeds people out. However, it’s alright to have these differences. In the end, it helps balance the friendship and makes them stronger. Whatever the choice is, it should be made independently. Doing something to please friends may lead to feeling emotionally and physically hurt. It becomes a never-ending cycle for the search of approval. If Mary Jane fails to respect my decision, then she is free to leave for the leaves anytime.

    Be a leader in the decision-making process, not a follower. It should be noted that there are numerous reasons why a person may or may not use drugs. Sometimes these ideas are challenging to explain or they’re private. People should not make judgements based on their situations. Understanding that the use or avoidance of drugs is simply a contrast in the way people live takes a joint effort. Whatever path is chosen, people will not fail to have high standards. I will be using “drugs” all of the time in the future in pharmacy school. In the meantime, I can’t wait to roll one up…a cinnamon roll that is. Now, ‘THC’ you all later.