Long, perfectly coiffed blonde hair, blue eyes, a thin, crisp sweater, jeans, and short black ankle boots; this is not the stereotypical look or attire of a marijuana grower. I sat with this young woman and, after discussing failed relationships and broken friendships, our conversations shifted to marijuana. “Is weed a drug? I mean, yes and no. ‘Drug’ is a pretty vague term these days. It can mean heroin or ibuprofen. I guess I would call it (marijuana) a drug, but more in the category of herbal medicine,” said college junior, Ashley Johnson.
I stretched out my legs on my old yoga mat and she gracefully positioned herself into a cross-legged Indian style, embracing the cold March grass. Ashley Johnson has been cultivating marijuana plants in her home for three months. What started off as a joke has transformed her into a full time urban agricultural entrepreneur. “I had some seeds and was planting some veggies and I was like, (growing marijuana) why not? I’ve always loved gardening and I’ve always dreamed of growing my own marijuana plants. I never wanted to be some money-making mogul, I just wanted my own supply for the same reason I’m also growing tomatoes and melons… so I don’t have to buy them,” said Johnson.
Johnson’s personal supply of marijuana as well as fruits and vegetables.
I stretched out my legs on my old yoga mat and she gracefully positioned herself into a cross-legged Indian style, embracing the cold March grass. Ashley Johnson has been cultivating marijuana plants in her home for three months. What started off as a joke has transformed her into a full time urban agricultural entrepreneur. “I had some seeds and was planting some veggies and I was like, (growing marijuana) why not? I’ve always loved gardening and I’ve always dreamed of growing my own marijuana plants. I never wanted to be some money-making mogul, I just wanted my own supply for the same reason I’m also growing tomatoes and melons… so I don’t have to buy them,” said Johnson.
Johnson, a proud Bernie Sanders supporter and environmentalist, strongly believes that marijuana should be legalized, primarily for medicinal purposes. Johnson endured anxiety and depression her sophomore year of high school. However, her’s wasn’t the typical condition of teen angst and rebellion. Johnson had sought help from a psychologist and was prescribed Valium. “Valium made me feel like I was moving through pudding, and you’re just super placid,” said Johnson. After two years, and failed attempts with four different psychologists, Johnson tried marijuana. She found it extremely holistic and conducive to maintaining her mental health. “I used to be more anxious, and I still am to a degree, but weed definitely has allowed me to slow down and think things through. It has helped me adopt a more ‘chill’ mentality with life and the things I have an effect on. What I can change and what I can’t,” said Johnson.
Johnson has been smoking marijuana since the age of 18.
According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana, but only for medicinal purposes, and only if the drug is prescribed by a doctor. However, even those in favor worry about where the marijuana would be sold. Another concern is the accessibility of marijuana for people who don’t have a medical need, but want to obtain it for recreational use.
Junior, Andrew Nuño, considers himself a strict law abiding citizen and student. He recently turned 21 years of age and had his first sip of real, legalized alcohol. Although he has never smoked cigarettes, or marijuana for that matter, he still believes that it should be legalized. “I have never smoked and don’t find the need to smoke. I would only smoke marijuana out of curiosity, and only if it were legal.” said Nuño
As mentioned earlier, Johnson has been cultivating marijuana plants in the safety of her home for three months. The flowers have been blooming since March. Her eco-friendly grow room consists of LED lights, foil to help contain the heat and light, along with one small fan to circulate the air. She uses organic soil, light timers, plant food, a fan, and a temperature and humidity gauge. Johnson “googled” and compiled information from different “growers” websites before she began her garden. She began this operation with a similar set-up that she uses for her fruits and vegetables. She gathered some seed starter pods, made them moist, and placed the seeds in an old heating pad to keep the seeds warm, which makes them conducive for growth. They get about 16-18 hours of light on, and then 6-8 hours for the vegetative growth stage. During the flowering stage, the plants will require 12/12 hours ratio of sunlight.
DePaul University Professor, Barbara Willard, believes that marijuana should be legalized, and feels that growing the plant is not harmful for the environment. “These types of crops, that are easily regrown, have less of an impact on the environment. However, it should be noted that in order to be truly environmentally sound, it should be grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers,” Willard stated.
Ironically, Johnson’s parents are not aware of the marijuana growth operation that is taking place in their own home. Johnson says that her parents are not against her habitual marijuana smoking. “My mom knows that I smoke. I’ve smoked with her before, I’m not sure if my dad does. I don’t think he’d care too much. He’s given my sister weed before for her eating disorder, so I think he sees it as harmless,” said Johnson.
The Pew Research Center also estimates that approximately 58 percent of people under the age of 30 believe that the use of marijuana should be legal. States that allow recreational marijuana are Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington. “Colorado has money (coming in) hand over fist, and Illinois, which is one of the most corrupt states in America, is like that aging politician who won’t get hip with the times, it’s pretty pathetic,” said Johnson.
DePaul University senior, Andrew Keller, believes that marijuana should be legalized for its health benefits. “I think it should be legalized because it helps with stress and, in some cases, physical issues. I’ve been smoking for four years now. I smoke at my apartment and pay $40 a month for my weed. I usually use a bong or a piece,” said Keller.
Possessing or cultivating marijuana plants in Illinois is a crime, and the penalties vary depending on the number of plants that are being grown. Growing up to five plants is considered a class A misdemeanor. This can result in up to one year in prison, or a fine of $2,500, and sometimes both. Johnson is currently growing one plant.
DePaul senior, Chuck Kaminski, believes that marijuana will continue to have an unfairly negative stigma attached to it, and believes that alcohol is no different from marijuana. “‘Drug’ is an umbrella term. The adverse effects of the plant have been widely over-exaggerated by many groups, and it should, at the very least, be recognized officially for its natural medicinal properties. I’m saying, people don’t call the person behind a bar a drug dealer, but that’s what he/she is and what they do.”
Johnson is aware of the criminal ramifications of growing weed, yet does not live in constant fear. She also knows the value of the cash crop and, like most other small businesses, has been hit hard with the stagnant economy. “I’m not afraid of being caught. Someone was just murdered a mile away from here, so I think the cops have better things to do then sniff out my pot.”
Johnson is currently a philosophy major, with plans to attend law school. She will continue to raise her plants, and has considered baking marijuana edibles. Her co-worker recently introduced her to cannabutter-infused Fruity Pebble Rice Krispies treats. She has zero plans of selling her plants or her edibles. Johnson will continue inhaling the positive vibes and transcend into a calmer realm. “It’s super cathartic to pack a bong and smoke your troubles away. It’s a social lubricant, but less harmful than alcohol for sure.”
Johnson, a proud Bernie Sanders supporter and environmentalist, strongly believes that marijuana should be legalized, primarily for medicinal purposes. Johnson endured anxiety and depression her sophomore year of high school. However, her’s wasn’t the typical condition of teen angst and rebellion. Johnson had sought help from a psychologist and was prescribed Valium. “Valium made me feel like I was moving through pudding, and you’re just super placid,” said Johnson. After two years, and failed attempts with four different psychologists, Johnson tried marijuana. She found it extremely holistic and conducive to maintaining her mental health. “I used to be more anxious, and I still am to a degree, but weed definitely has allowed me to slow down and think things through. It has helped me adopt a more ‘chill’ mentality with life and the things I have an effect on. What I can change and what I can’t,” said Johnson.
According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana, but only for medicinal purposes, and only if the drug is prescribed by a doctor. However, even those in favor worry about where the marijuana would be sold. Another concern is the accessibility of marijuana for people who don’t have a medical need, but want to obtain it for recreational use.
Junior, Andrew Nuño, considers himself a strict law abiding citizen and student. He recently turned 21 years of age and had his first sip of real, legalized alcohol. Although he has never smoked cigarettes, or marijuana for that matter, he still believes that it should be legalized. “I have never smoked and don’t find the need to smoke. I would only smoke marijuana out of curiosity, and only if it were legal.” said Nuño
As mentioned earlier, Johnson has been cultivating marijuana plants in the safety of her home for three months. The flowers have been blooming since March. Her eco-friendly grow room consists of LED lights, foil to help contain the heat and light, along with one small fan to circulate the air. She uses organic soil, light timers, plant food, a fan, and a temperature and humidity gauge. Johnson “googled” and compiled information from different “growers” websites before she began her garden. She began this operation with a similar set-up that she uses for her fruits and vegetables. She gathered some seed starter pods, made them moist, and placed the seeds in an old heating pad to keep the seeds warm, which makes them conducive for growth. They get about 16-18 hours of light on, and then 6-8 hours for the vegetative growth stage. During the flowering stage, the plants will require 12/12 hours ratio of sunlight.
DePaul University Professor, Barbara Willard, believes that marijuana should be legalized, and feels that growing the plant is not harmful for the environment. “These types of crops, that are easily regrown, have less of an impact on the environment. However, it should be noted that in order to be truly environmentally sound, it should be grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers,” Willard stated.
Ironically, Johnson’s parents are not aware of the marijuana growth operation that is taking place in their own home. Johnson says that her parents are not against her habitual marijuana smoking. “My mom knows that I smoke. I’ve smoked with her before, I’m not sure if my dad does. I don’t think he’d care too much. He’s given my sister weed before for her eating disorder, so I think he sees it as harmless,” said Johnson.
The Pew Research Center also estimates that approximately 58 percent of people under the age of 30 believe that the use of marijuana should be legal. States that allow recreational marijuana are Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington. “Colorado has money (coming in) hand over fist, and Illinois, which is one of the most corrupt states in America, is like that aging politician who won’t get hip with the times, it’s pretty pathetic,” said Johnson.
DePaul University senior, Andrew Keller, believes that marijuana should be legalized for its health benefits. “I think it should be legalized because it helps with stress and, in some cases, physical issues. I’ve been smoking for four years now. I smoke at my apartment and pay $40 a month for my weed. I usually use a bong or a piece,” said Keller.
Possessing or cultivating marijuana plants in Illinois is a crime, and the penalties vary depending on the number of plants that are being grown. Growing up to five plants is considered a class A misdemeanor. This can result in up to one year in prison, or a fine of $2,500, and sometimes both. Johnson is currently growing one plant.
DePaul senior, Chuck Kaminski, believes that marijuana will continue to have an unfairly negative stigma attached to it, and believes that alcohol is no different from marijuana. “‘Drug’ is an umbrella term. The adverse effects of the plant have been widely over-exaggerated by many groups, and it should, at the very least, be recognized officially for its natural medicinal properties. I’m saying, people don’t call the person behind a bar a drug dealer, but that’s what he/she is and what they do.”
Johnson is aware of the criminal ramifications of growing weed, yet does not live in constant fear. She also knows the value of the cash crop and, like most other small businesses, has been hit hard with the stagnant economy. “I’m not afraid of being caught. Someone was just murdered a mile away from here, so I think the cops have better things to do then sniff out my pot.”
Johnson is currently a philosophy major, with plans to attend law school. She will continue to raise her plants, and has considered baking marijuana edibles. Her co-worker recently introduced her to cannabutter-infused Fruity Pebble Rice Krispies treats. She has zero plans of selling her plants or her edibles. Johnson will continue inhaling the positive vibes and transcend into a calmer realm. “It’s super cathartic to pack a bong and smoke your troubles away. It’s a social lubricant, but less harmful than alcohol for sure.”
Sofia Carapia 