No one loves pot more than Ontario students. No, really. A government study from 2004 found that more young people from Ontario reported smoking marijuana “recently” than students from any other country. Since this is a student handbook designed to cater to your needs, we wrote this guide about pot not because we like pot, but because you, the Toronto student, like pot. You made us write this, you hippy.
A word on getting caught
It’s not exactly Amsterdam, but Toronto’s pretty much the next best thing. If you’re smart about it, you can smoke marijuana just about any place you can smoke tobacco in the city. Police officers will usually leave you alone, and unless you’re careless enough to blow smoke right in their face, the chances of getting busted are low. University officials seem just as relaxed on the subject. However, selling or growing marijuana can get you into serious trouble.
Where to smoke on campus
The University College quad has a plethora of advantages for the student smoker. It’s secluded, making discreet smoking a breeze. It’s also one of the prettiest places on cam- pus, and on a clear night will present a view of the night sky that’s sure to dazzle the addled mind. Bear in mind that it’s a popular pot destination, so don’t be surprised if you run into a few fellow smokers if you make the trip in the wee hours.
Between spring and fall, the Zoo Woods just north of Sid Smith is a great place to duck in and have a daytime smoke. Its thick vegetation provides a natural barrier from student traffic on St. George, and if you’re an arts student, it’s most likely right next door to your classes. Nowhere could be more perfect for that pre-lecture toke to ensure that your prof’s anecdotes about Chaucer seem a lot more interesting. It’s not a venue for the skittish smoker however, as you can never be completely hidden from view, and there’s always the risk that someone might actually wander back there to peruse the horticulture.
If you like to stroll while you smoke, nothing beats Philosopher’s Walk. Located between the Varsity Arena and the ROM, the meandering pathway provides the thoughtful pothead the space needed to contemplate those moments of cosmic clarity that only seem to come with a healthy dose of THC. During nice weather, Philosopher’s Walk is best avoided as it tends to attract the crowd from Bloor Street and the ROM. Ben Spurr
