Question of the day
Thursday, Apr 18, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
A street festival unlike any other will be held in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood this weekend: a daylong celebration of weed.
Saturday is April 20, or 4/20, a day that has evolved into a nationwide celebration of marijuana. In the cannabis community, the term 420 is a slang reference to smoking weed. The term reportedly dates back to the 1970s, when a group of Northern California high schoolers began meeting after classes at 4:20 p.m. to light up. Use of “420” gradually spread and grew into a marijuana holiday of sorts on April 20.
Corporate America has latched onto the 420 celebrations in various ways, sometimes by using April 20 as a day to promote or launch snack foods that stoners with the munchies might crave. Last year, Burger King brought back its spicy chicken nuggets on 4/20, and Lyft offered $4.20 discounts. Conagra, the Chicago-based company behind brands like Healthy Choice and Slim Jims, is launching a special flavor of its Andy Capp’s crunchy snacks for 4/20 this year called “fully baked” Hot Munchies.
In Illinois’ growing marijuana industry, 4/20 is a way to get pot brands front and center with a new set of potential consumers, while educating people on local laws and products. Marijuana is still only legal in Illinois through the state’s medical cannabis program. Local growers plan new product rollouts on Saturday, and dispensaries will be offering discounts.
* The Question: Have you ever consumed cannabis? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
survey solutions
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:21 pm:
You go first rich! LOL
- Actual Red - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
“Have you ever consumed cannabis?”
Are you a cop? You have to tell us if you’re a cop, otherwise its entrapment /s
- Tony Kendall - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:28 pm:
I used to smoke on occasion in my 20s and 30s, but the side effects of eating too much, passing out and having achy lungs the next day made me decided to cut it out for the most part.
- A guy - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:28 pm:
Never. With good reason, I have always been afraid I’d like it.
- OneMan - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:31 pm:
Nope
Just kind of the way things worked out.
- Smalls - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:32 pm:
I experimented with it, but I didn’t inhale. /s
- L.A. - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:34 pm:
Yes, Mostly in my 20’s and 30’s. Although I still partake in a puff, puff, pass from time to time.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:34 pm:
Yes.
What was the question?
Pretty standard right-of-passage (and the least dangerous one) in my farm/university town back in the late 70s once you hit your teens. As controversial and sinister as having a few beers.
Been a smoker, joker and midnight toker ever since.
That legal brown-liquid skull-popper that they produce under state regulations and license down in Kentucky and Tennessee is what I stay away from.
Didn’t 4/20 used to be called Hash Wednesday, back in the day?
- Kayak - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:34 pm:
I voted yes only because I could not vote present. https://youtu.be/H63L0VBnCDA
- RNUG - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:34 pm:
Tried it as a teenager but didn’t do much of anything for me; just gave me bronchitis.
If ambient smoke counts, the last time was the Eagles ‘Hell Freezes Over’ tour; could barely see the stage in the amphitheater from our seats on the grass.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:35 pm:
Yes. No explanation is really needed for anyone else who has also enjoyed it. And to those who either haven’t tried it or didn’t enjoy it, no explanation will satisfy you either, so none is offered.
I don’t think it’s for everyone, but I also can’t wait until it’s legal.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:36 pm:
I smoked on a near daily basis my last year of high school and first year of junior college. I smoked sporadically after that and gave it up completely about 25 years ago. Besides the occasional paranoia I can honestly say I enjoyed the experience. Food and drink tasted better, music sounded better, and TV/movies were more enjoyable. It was also an excellent sleep aid but didn’t cause me to sleep if I wasn’t ready.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:37 pm:
Definitely a sting.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:38 pm:
Not today.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:41 pm:
Long long ago at U of I. Probably ditch weed and not nearly as strong as the stuff supposedly is today. Never liked it never liked to smoke. Was just so much easier to go to Midway and drink beer
- cdog - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:42 pm:
Of course I have, I grew up in the 70’s in Normal, even smoked in the Navy in the 80’s as a punk before Reagan stopped that party, quit for 30 years while I raised kids, and now indulge in a little weed tourism every once in a while.
It’s a lot easier than alcohol on my liver and a nice way to change a day’s vibe. Keep it away from kids, corporate domination, certain workplaces, and drivers, and everything just might be alright.
People need to just calm down about weed and pass a comprehensive framework for it.
- Excessively Rabid - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:42 pm:
This keyboard is so loud…have you ever really looked at your hands, man….. I used to consume prodigious quantities of the stuff. That tapered to nothing very quickly when I started having a family. I still will have a little if I get together with an old friend. But I don’t even like the products they have now. I have friends who take the edibles for their aches and pains so they can sleep. I sleep just fine and when I tried a cookie I was high as a kite all night and it ruined my sleep. Others are welcome to the stuff, but for Pete’s sake go on and legalize industrial hemp already.
- Altgelds Ghost - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:44 pm:
with the publisher?
For 32 years I have been enjoying the green. I like to smoke the bong or a joint. Not a fan of vaping or edibles, but not judging. Any way you enjoy the herb is cool with me. Plus, its way better for your body than booze.
- Nameless - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:46 pm:
I voted yes because I’m a daily consumer and will be until the day I die. I don’t smoke cigarettes or drink. I find it interesting what alcohol users get away with, like domestic abuse. Those of us who use would never consider such a thing.
- Reggie - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:49 pm:
of course and here’s a political take.
More fun to drink with democrats.
More fun to smoke with Republicans.
don’t ask me why, it just is.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:49 pm:
Yes, as a teenager for recreation. Now I utilize it as medicine, not as an excuse to get high but truly to manage chronic pain that doctors have given up on. It has been life-changing for me.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:50 pm:
Most definitely.
I’ve seen lots of people get really messed up on alcohol and harder stuff, like pills. I’ve known severe alcoholics. I don’t know anyone who got got really messed up on jazz cabbage. I didn’t mess too much with stuff that kills. I know it helped me learn and open my eyes to stuff I was taught and accepted at a young age without question. The song Sweet Leaf could be my anthem.
- Bogey Golfer - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:51 pm:
No. Never liked the smell. Favor the beverage over the smoke. But if I needed chemo, would try it.
- yinn - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:52 pm:
Yes, once or twice in high school and a couple times in college (late 70s, early 80s). Not my bag. I was always burning the candle at both ends in those days, so smoking would put me to sleep — not exactly the life of the party! Nevertheless, I am eager to see it legalized so friends and family members who don’t qualify for med-mar can try cannabis for musculoskeletal pain issues.
- Graybeard - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:52 pm:
Yes. It helps to break down my natural self-consciousness. In small doses, it’s helpful for canvassing or social events.
In other cases, sometimes it’s just fun to smoke/eat a bunch and then see where it takes me. It’s also good for hearing something new when listening to familiar music.
- Just Peachy - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:53 pm:
Sorry the anonymous at 3:49 was me, Justpeachy…I don’t know why my nickname didn’t show up??
- Anyone Remember - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:53 pm:
No. It is illegal (never been anywhere it is legal), and I have never smoked anything, legal or illegal (readily available “edibles” started with medical marijuana). That said, legalize it, did we not learn anything from Alphonse Capone?
- weedtotaler - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:54 pm:
Never. Smoking–anything–is really, really bad news for this asthmatic. Edibles? Maybe, someday.
- anon - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:55 pm:
i tried it for the first time freshman year of high school. i smoked it every weekend for the rest of freshman year (when i had money). Starting the summer going into sophomore year, and up until i left for the military right after high school graduation, i smoked a lot. I loved it. it was part of everything we did, much like bars and alcohol are for us now. after the military, i started again, and smoked for the four years that i went to college. once i moved away and got my first grown ups job, i pretty much stopped. i still do it on occasion. i fully support legalization.
- NextofNixionan - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:55 pm:
Daily for 15 years. Blaze it!
- anon - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:56 pm:
I have smoked, even inhaled, but never consumed. 😉
- Norseman - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:57 pm:
Tried it during a couple of evening get togethers with campaign workers of a congressional campaign. Lost track of one, the other went on to multiple elected offices. Didn’t really get that much out of the experience other than being part of the guys.
- Graybeard - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 3:57 pm:
Yea, about once a week.
Yes. It helps to break down my natural self-consciousness. Very helpful (in small doses) for canvassing or social gatherings.
In larger doses, sometimes it’s just fun to smoke/eat a bunch and see where the day takes me. It’s also good for hearing familiar music in a new way.
- anon - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:02 pm:
Nice try, officer.
- XonXoff - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:06 pm:
Yes. Quit at 30, the moment we found out we were having our first child. Too much at risk after that. Then once at a Red Rocks (Denver area) concert several years ago. Our kids were grown and out by then.
- Robert the 1st - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:09 pm:
I tried to like it. I had a few fun times but mostly got paranoid and ate too much. I agree it’s healthier to be a chronic pot smoker than a heavy drinker, but I don’t believe for a second smoking anything isn’t unhealthy.
- Clyde - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:10 pm:
Nope ~ I’m too cheap, and needed whatever faculties I have.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:11 pm:
Long ago. Expect I’ll try an edible at some point. Bit of a tangent but the consequences for me if I had been caught were a lot less than they were a decade or two later, and especially compared to if I were a minority.
- I Miss Bentohs - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:13 pm:
Voted No.
Not much to explain other than I have never consumed cannabis.
As an aside, doing this on Easter weekend? I hope they all wake up Easter morning in jail.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:14 pm:
===the moment we found out we were having our first child.===
That’s when I quit too; weed and cigs. And for those who say weed is addictive, giving up cigs was a million times harder than giving up weed. There was no physical dependency at all but I did occasionally miss the way it made me feel. I gave it up for my kids and career but would happily partake again when the time is right assuming it’s legal.
- work in progress - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:15 pm:
Had to take a 25 year break for the job , but have partaken on occasion since I retired.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:18 pm:
Back to the Academy… for remedial undercover, Miller.
- Bigtwich - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:20 pm:
Carbondale. 1960s. Maybe a little after that.
But, as Sam Ervin said, “All of my indiscretions are covered by the statute of limitations.”
- $10 Lid - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:21 pm:
What would you surmise from my handle?
- Captain Obvious - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:22 pm:
And here I thought I was the only person who went to high school in the 70’s and never did weed.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
===I hope they all wake up Easter morning in jail===
Not with this state’s attorney. Just sayin…
Also, why do you want to lock people in steel cages for smoking weed? Seems harsh.
- Graybeard - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
=As an aside, doing this on Easter weekend? I hope they all wake up Easter morning in jail.=
It turns out that 4/20 is on the same date each and every year.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:24 pm:
===I thought I was the only person who went to high school in the 70’s and never===
You and Bruce Rauner.
- Fav human - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:25 pm:
Never. Although I really did fake it once.
In college a girl asked me to go back to her room and get high with her. I surely wanted to go back to her room. I thought her getting high would help with my evenings plans.
To my disappointment, no. Proof positive to me there’s absolutely nothing good in that plant….
- Mittuns - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:25 pm:
Yes, I took one edible per day for a week and did not have to take my prescription sleep aid.
- a drop in - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:28 pm:
Had a two week period when I was constantly high. Then my brain started feeling like an engine with a couple of cylinders misfiring. Haven’t smoked in years, barely drink any more. When I get tired of reality, I daydream.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:28 pm:
===What would you surmise from my handle?===
That the last time you purchased the product was during the Eisenhower administration?
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:34 pm:
===What would you surmise from my handle?===
==That the last time you purchased the product was during the Eisenhower administration?==
Or he/she’s a Tupperware enthusiast.
- RoscoeRatMatt - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:35 pm:
Yes - and have done so regularly since I was 17. I’m 36 now.
- RIJ - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:37 pm:
Regularly since retiring.
- Collinsville Kevin - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:42 pm:
Daily user for about forty years. Neither proud nor ashamed.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:45 pm:
No, but I have noticed an astonishing number of skunks these days almost everywhere in downtown Chicago. So does a contact high count?
- .82 miles south of I80 - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:47 pm:
Yes
Several times a week.
I’m very tired of obtaining through a drug dealer. Legalize and regulate it so we know exactly what we are purchasing. Plus, it will generate much needed revenue. The longer we wait, the more we all miss out (whether you partake or not). Honestly, the benefits of legalizing far outweigh keeping it illegal. Bake on
- Johnnie F. - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:48 pm:
Yes. I appreciate some of the medical benefits now, more than just the escape I enjoyed at a younger age. It helps with back pain and migraine headaches, both of which are not medical enough for ILs restrictive program. Legalization will be a factor on whether I retire here in IL. A recent visit to Europe and Amsterdam made it obvious to me that it can be regulated in a thoughtful way and it’s use could enhance the quality of life in the U S. There so much minding the business of others in our country. It is time to end this prohibition.
- Groucho - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:50 pm:
What does consume mean?
- Mama - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 4:56 pm:
I smoked pot twice. I really did not like the way it made me feel so I never smoked it again.
- Nick Name - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 5:01 pm:
Yes. However, I’m allergic to it and the few times I tried it, I got violently ill.
Also, if you’ve ever had a beer, you’ve consumed cannabis. Hops are part of the cannabis family. Cheers!
- Dome Gnome - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 5:02 pm:
No, mainly because I’ve always been afraid I’d lose my motivation.
- ChrisB - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 5:08 pm:
Weirdly, no. We got drug tested in High School during the season, and since my seasons were Aug-Oct. and Jan-May, there wasn’t really a window. Plus it just wasn’t what my friends did anyway. In college, I’d have random jobs, some of which required testing, so I didn’t partake. After that, I just figured I was too old to get into it.
Nothing against legalization though. Have at it, kids.
- Nova - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 5:31 pm:
Yes, in college and for a bit afterward. Have only smoked once since, and do not have a strong desire to take it up again.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 5:38 pm:
Yes, although hardly ever since becoming a parent.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 6:03 pm:
Yes.
Even been arrested for it, almost 20 years ago.
- Unpopular - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 6:09 pm:
Sure I have. Doesn’t mean it was a good idea. Also doesn’t mean it should be legal. Also doesn’t mean it’s healthy. etc, etc…
- NoGifts - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 6:21 pm:
In high school. I never enjoyed it. Beer was more my speed.
- Kentucky Bluegrass x Featherbed Bent x Northern California Sinsemilla - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 6:41 pm:
Sure, i’ve dabbled with dabs and smoke my fair share of the jazz cabbage. But my favorite is a hybrid…
This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is, that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff.
- JoanP - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 6:51 pm:
Yes.
Explanation: I was in college in the ’60s
- Angel's Sword - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 7:13 pm:
No, for the same reason I don’t drink: I prefer to always be thinking clearly.
- Amalia - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 8:19 pm:
Yep. It’s been 3 decades since any experience, smoking and one epic brownie episode. so much better than alcohol was my feeling back then.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 8:34 pm:
–A street festival unlike any other will be held in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood this weekend: a daylong celebration of weed.–
The Fare The Well shows at Soldier Field in 2015 were a three-day celebration of weed on the Museum Campus, Grant Park, South Michigan Avenue and all points between from the train stations and parking lots.
My crew and I went down early for the Friday night show and couldn’t believe how cool it all was, hanging out on the lake with the folks. It had been stinking hot during the week, but the weather that July 3 was perfect.
The coppers definitely had gotten the word from 5: a 100% tolerance level for beer and bud in the park and on the streets. No fuss anywhere, that I saw.
Great show that first night, centered on “American Beauty.”
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 8:41 pm:
Tried in my teens. Made me fuzzy headed, and didn’t like it. Never understood why people wanted to feel that way. Not against it, just not for me.
- Generic Drone - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 9:31 pm:
2 friends in HS were pot heads. One became a reve, other a cop. Me, went to college to be a cop. Then i got high, then i got high.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Apr 18, 19 @ 10:57 pm:
Daily, when available, for ages. When I was younger, I’d often like to see how high I could get, now it’s more maintenance and for horribly chronic (pun intended) and occasionally debilitating back pain. Works way better than Advil. Still like to get really high though. On my 25th year working in the Capitol, exec positions, 2%er. No reason for it to be illegal than to enrich cop shops and municipalities - thankfully asset forfeiture has (mostly) been eliminated now.
===The Fare The Well shows at Soldier Field in 2015 were a three-day celebration of weed on the Museum Campus, Grant Park, South Michigan Avenue and all points between from the train stations and parking lots.===
Truer words were never spoken. I saw actual bongs on the floor in front of the stage.
- Hammer - Friday, Apr 19, 19 @ 6:40 am:
Not as a kid but since my 30s I do a few times a year. I’d be fine never doing it again as when it’s fun, it really enhances my mood and my enjoyment of life, when it’s not it knocks me right to sleep or muddies my head up or makes me super paranoid. No judgment to those that do. Getting a little too old to be a hobbyist in the way that I see on tv though, chasing new strands and rigging up equipment. I think we have to make it legal.
- Older guy - Friday, Apr 19, 19 @ 7:05 am:
Yes- medical marijuana user and cancer patient. Still trying to figure out how to use it to cut down on narcotic pain killers. Do use it on a daily basis but it hasn’t been the wonder drug that others claim it to be for me. Feel it really needs more research from 3rd parties, however support legalization.
- Romeo - Friday, Apr 19, 19 @ 8:45 am:
Yes; registered medical cannabis patient who utilizes this medicine on a daily basis.
- Tommydanger - Friday, Apr 19, 19 @ 9:02 am:
Nope. I passed plenty of J’s around the circle in college, but never had the urge then or now, but pour me a great bourbon and we’ll definitely be friends.