The University of Colorado is no stranger to drug related controversy. For many years Boulder has been the center of media attention regarding marijuana use, especially on April 20th. However, just one month ago Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, which allows Colorado citizens to enjoy the recreational use of marijuana. But even with this new law passed, Boulder can’t seem to stay out of the headlines for marijuana related crimes. Recently 2 students from the University of Colorado at Boulder were arrested on suspicion of bringing pot brownies to class. Several students as well as the teacher unknowingly indulged in the deliciously mellow treat which undoubtedly made for a very interesting class. A prank that many people (especially from Boulder) would find hilarious, led to 3 hospitalizations due to intense side effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This irresponsible demonstration of marijuana use couldn’t come at a worse time for those who recently contributed to passing Amendment 64.

These two students are now facing felony charges for second-degree assault, fraudulently inducing the consumption of a controlled substance and conspiracy charges. The students never anticipated that their practical joke would land them felony charges. Some people might not understand the severity of these charges since marijuana is considered to be such a mild substance. There are no recorded deaths due to the consumption of marijuana. But the fact that the victims of “Pot-Gate” were never in danger of dying does not discredit the laws that were violated. Even though marijuana consumption is now legal in Colorado, what these students did was not. Now they are facing justice for their stupidity.

University of Colorado President, Bruce Benson worries about the negative effect marijuana might have on the university. He fears that research grants and donations may be at risk since the state has adopted this new liberal mentality toward marijuana. Benson made it very clear that marijuana is still considered illegal by federal law and is prohibited on University grounds. But he’s going to need a lot of help enforcing that policy since the fog of smoke encompassing Boulder is one of the cities most defining characteristics.