Will the legalization of marijuana really matter to college students of Nevada?

Marijuana is a popular substance among college students. At the University of Nevada, students are smoking marijuana despite it being illegal. With the upcoming election approaching on November 8th, residents of Nevada will be voting on the legalization of marijuana as the second question on the ballot.

On the ballot, a vote to legalize marijuana will be to approve the recreational use of one ounce or less of the substance if you are at least 21 years old. This will allow individuals to purchase, obtain, use and cultivate marijuana. Residents then will be able to own up to six marijuana plants for their own personal use. With benefits to the recreational and the medical practice, the legalization of marijuana could spark some change within Nevada. But will this make a difference to college students?

Around campus, students are aware of this approaching dilemma. But do they really care? Speaking to a resident of Nevada, Serena Carrion does not really have an opinion on this issue. A pre-nursing major, Carrion doesn’t seem to have set feelings on whether or not she is opposed to this issue.

“I don’t know. I don’t think it can bring harm but I also I don’t think it will bring good,” says Carrion. “I think they [people] are already going at risks to get it, so I don’t think it bring more harm.”

With the presence of marijuana evident today, the legalization of this substance does not seem to make an impact on college students. Joslyn Duval openly admits that she smokes weed. At 19 years old, being underage does not stop her from consuming this drug. When asked if it will make a difference, Duval says,

“I really don’t think it will do anything. I don’t think it will really make a difference. It will just make some people angry.”

Whether they choose to not care or they are simply uneducated on the issue, some college students don’t feel it will alter Nevada in any way. Natasha Carny is a sophomore from Reno that does not smoke weed and will be voting no against the legalization because she personally is not a fan of the drug.

“I get it, a lot of people want it legalized. But I don’t know, I mean people will do it regardless. So I’m just going to cast my vote as no.” On the issue if it will make a difference, Carney says, “I think it will stay the same.”

Comparing marijuana to alcohol, similarly people will have to be of the legal age of 21 to purchase and use this substance. But around a college campus, minors are still able to get their hands on alcohol. Who’s to say that won’t be the same with marijuana? In response to this question, Duval says,“it might be harder for younger people” to get marijuana after it is legalized but she is not sure.

Overall, the elections in November will be the final tell if this issue will really matter to college students.