I generally try to just enjoy classic train-wrecks such as this one from a distance, but this quote is something that applies to so many things in life that i think that it deserves to be highlighted away from the smoldering metal of this thread.

Where is the train wreck photo when you need one?

As someone from northern California, I do have to say: wow, viewpoints on weed do differ between regions.

Here, you can actually get weed "legally." All you need to do is apply for a medical marijuana card, and you can get that for almost any reason that translates to "I like weed." I have some friends who got it simply for "stress" -- hopefully, everyone here has taken a midterm at some point.

I guess like every organization sees it differently, but how mines sees it, at least, is that it's a risk management issue. If you're caught with a joint at a chapter in Texas, that's grounds for expulsion. However, here, you don't even need to bother hiding it when the chapter consultant comes.

As for tests: a good portion of jobs available don't do drug tests. Personally speaking, regardless of whether or not I actually use any drugs, I'll comfortably refuse any one that requires testing. Luckily, I haven't actually applied anywhere that tests.

That said, even here, having a shirt that says "POT" is as bad as having one that says B Sigma Sigma R. You really don't want to be seen in public with one, and you definitely don't want to represent it as something related to Greek life.

A bong with your letters on it?

And seeing how her sorority's website lists only one chapter in California . . . .

Yeah that's the thing...it does vary. But I would have a hard time buying that any of our organizations would be ok with connecting illegal activity with letters, regardless of how individuals feel about weed. I personally think it should be legalized, but that doesn't mean I'm going to smoke it. It's illegal. And I certainly knew a few Greeks in college that would occasionally partake but were they to make that public knowledge they would have been in trouble. Not only because our organizations aren't down with smoking but because actives don't want their letters associated with it. I don't care what people do in the privacy of their homes, but when they directly connect it with my letters it becomes my problem, too.

IMO having a medical marijuana card is different, however flimsy the reason for obtaining it is. If it's legal for that person to possess it, no skin off my nose. As long as they're abiding by whatever terms have been given to them, fine.

Posting under the username "SusieBoo" and including no identifying info and saying how dumb the grass laws are and that they should be changed: OK.

Posting under the username "SusieSigKap" and giving your real location and saying all that stuff: Not OK. If your chapter is already in dutch with your school or your HQ, this is all they need to look even closer and possibly close it down. Think about the chapter sisters that you say are cool and openminded with what you do - do you really want to screw them over?

Saying you want to spend money on a stitched letter shirt that you'll never wear out of the house, regardless of what the letters are: Egregiously stupid.

I think that medical marijuana should be accessible, but that it's currently perscribed for bullshit reasons, like you say. That said, at least they've gone through the hoops.

Assuming you jumped through the hoops.

Good luck. It's easy to say that when you haven't actually been faced with that choice.

I think he means in Cali, not everywhere. If medical marijuana is as easy to get as he says it is, it would be a ridiculous waste of $$ for companies there to conduct drug tests at all.

Possible, but some jobs are still going to have that as a rule. And I don't think the job outlook is so awesome in CA that many people will feel safe turning down any job on principle. That said, IIRC he's not in college anymore so if one is already established it can be easier.

Under state law, yes. Under federal law, which constitutionally supercedes state law, it's still illegal. Legalized marijuana in California (and the other states that have legalized it) relies on (1) state officials deciding not to abide by federal law (a possible constitutional violation and a possible violation of the official's oath of office) and (2) the feds not wanting to put the resources into enforcing federal law.

MysticCat, THANK YOU for this! I try and try to get this through my Patients' heads. They all say, "Well, maybe I'll just move to CA-where it is legal." That's why (not that I believe people should use it and I am not advocating for it) I never understood why people would rather take their chances with getting caught using marijuana, which is illegal as opposed to smoking Salvia Divinorum-"Sally D" (what Miley Cyrus was reported to have used) where it is only illegal in some states and pending in others. It messes you up even more and you can buy it in headshops. If I was someone who used drugs, that is what I would be using.

Salvia is much more likely to result in a "bad trip"...I know plenty of people who have gotten sick from it and won't use it again. As far as I know that doesn't mean it's dangerous, but it can be unpleasant.

What I've been told (and yes, this is in no way legalese or personal experience) is that the medical marijuana users don't feel the need to worry because officials truly don't want to waste their time on them. They're willing to risk it because they make sure to keep only negligible amounts so that if they are arrested their punishment will be light. But again, this is what I've been told by friends that do use legally over on the west coast...I don't know how educated they are as to the letter of the law.

ETA: I will say as a cautious person I wouldn't smoke it even with the license. Unless it is legalized by the federal government, IMO even if the risk of being arrested is small, it isn't worth it. But I've never really been a risk taker. The three I know who do use it with a license think the benefit is worth the risk.

That's easier said than done.

If I have a heroin addiction, "Weed Lite" isn't going to cut it.

Weed isn't chemically addicting, only psychologically. People can have a desperate jones for weed, but they won't experience withdrawals. Not the same.