4/20 is months away. So why is it that you’re seeing people smoking weed everywhere you go? Maybe it’s because a new government study just concluded that regularly smoking pot, even over a period of several years, does not impair lung function. Really.

As you would probably guess, marijuana is the country’s most-used illegal drug, especially among teenagers. Another government report released in December showed that one in 15 high school students smokes pot almost every day. So basically, this study is great news for a huge number of Americans.

The study had over 5,000 participants who were monitored over a period of two decades. Researchers were looking to determine whether or not smoking marijuana causes damage to the lungs, and, specifically, whether smoking pot is as harmful as smoking cigarettes. The scientists found that people who regularly smoked marijuana – an average of one joint per day for seven years – showed no decrease in performance on a lung function test. The test measures the amount of air a person can force out in one second after taking a deep breath. Cigarette smokers do show a loss of lung function when given this test.

Lung function did begin to decline in test subjects who were heavier marijuana users. And people who smoked a combination of marijuana and cigarettes also experienced impairment. But ultimately, the researchers concluded that moderate marijuana use does not decrease lung function, and is not a risk factor for respiratory disorders like COPD. One theory as to why marijuana smoke is less harmful than tobacco smoke has to do with pot’s active ingredient – THC. It’s possible that the natural anti-inflammatory effects of THC actually interfere with the development diseases like COPD.

The government does, of course, want to remind you that smoking pot carries risks. Marijuana does irritate the airways in the short term and it reduces attention span, heightening your risk of accidents. It can also lead to problems with learning and memory. But come on, you have to admit it’s kind of hilarious when government scientists say it’s ok to smoke weed.

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

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It happens every day.  You log onto Facebook and are confronted with a stream of photos and status updates.  Megan’s going to the mall.  Ben’s fishing with his dad.  Oh, and what’s this?  Chris put his dog in boxers and made it drink beer out of a Frisbee last night.  Here’s hoping he isn’t friends with anyone who works for the ASPCA.

Simply put, people post dumb pictures.  We tend to forget that Facebook is a public place and that often times employers, teachers, and police have access to more things than we think.

If your back-to-campus plan involves drinking, sleeping, hooking up, or any host of questionable activities, here are the pictures you’re better off keeping to yourself:

The Coyote Ugly

The pic of you dancing on the bar the night before you called in sick to your 8 a.m. needs to remain offline. Chances are a TA, professor, or peeved classmate will see it and rat you out.  And really, that’s the least of your problems.  Have you ever seen an actual picture of someone dancing on the bar?  Usually it’s taken from ground level, six inches away from your legs.  This means crotch shots, the underside of your chin(s) and nose, out of proportion ankles that have now become cankles…need I go on?

The Stop, Drop, and Roll

That filthy gutter looks super comfy, no wonder you fell asleep in it while wearing your roommate’s favorite jacket.  She’ll know that “water spot” is really a grease stain from some homeless man’s pizza as soon as she catches a glimpse of you channeling Loca Lohan.  Keeping it off Facebook means keeping roommate relations peaceful.

The “How long can you hold your breath?”

Unless you’re looking for a job as a pearl diver in some third world country, there’s really no reason to show off how long you can go without coming up for air.  The intense PDA pictures need find their way onto your wall of shame, not your Facebook wall.

The Phelps

I’m amazed at how many people think they can get away with posting bong pictures online.  It was posted from your account.  That is your face coming out of a cloud of smoke, no?  And that most definitely is your stupid grin and bloodshot eyes.  So why so surprised when the Office of Student Affairs tries to bust you for having drugs in the dorm?

The Leann Rimes

Does your boyfriend know you were making out with some other dude last night?  Post it on Facebook and he’ll find out soon enough.

The Sam Ronson

Does your boyfriend know you were making out with some other chick last night?  See above.  (Note: May result in relentless threesome propositions.)

Anything involving babies and recreating scenes from The Hangover.

You are not the female Bradley Cooper.  That kid’s name isn’t really Carlos, regardless of how you tag the photo.  Put the baby down and slowly walk away before you’re graduating from the State Pen instead of state college.

While most people will celebrate this national holiday behind a hanging tapestry in the privacy of their dorm room with 12 bags of chips and a tub of frosting, there are some schools that turn it into a campus affair.

Cue my regret for choosing the wrong school.
And pass the Cheetos.

UC Berkeley – People’s Park Celebration
Last year, more than 1,000 people joined this pot-extravaganza to celebrate with (slow) dancing, (lots of) eating, and (passionate) speeches. I can just see it: people cooking rice and beans under the shade of a willow tree, with and endless supply of Cliff Bars and positive feelings. Utopia.

University of California, Santa Cruz – Celebration at Porter Meadow
Not even a lack of shuttle services or parking stops UCSC students from hiking up Empire Grand for a glassy eyed, sunny day in Porter Meadow come 4/20. “National Pot Smoking Day” has turned Parker Meadow into a ‘baked circus’ every year at the University. Vendors set up in the field to feed the munchies of nearly 5,000 people while bands perform, ‘Santa Cruz 420′ t-shirts are handed out, and a soft haze sits over the meadow. Sounds like a party.

Colorado University at Boulder – 4/20 Smoke-out
Last year 10,000 students and residents came out to Norlin Quad to hit the bong. 10,000! Campus police have announced they’ll be ticketing people in possession of marijuana going to or from the Smoke-out this year, but I have a feeling no one’s gonna care as long as they’ve got a $5 foot long in their hands.

University of Redlands – ’4/20 Fest’ at Pharaoh’s Theme Park
Although this concert celebration does not outright announce it as a pot-smoking event, it is held annually during the infamous 4/20 weekend. And this description may say it all: “…the audience is encouraged to dream and immerse themselves into otherworldy magic.’ Read: come stoned.

University of Michigan – Hash Bash
Centered around the goal to reform the legalization of marijuana, this celebration is sprinkled with speeches, live music, a man dressed as a hot dog, street vending (which, I’m hoping, means lots of grub), and a whole lot of hashish. Hash Bash has been going strong (or stoned…) for 28 years. Last year, thousands came to get really baked support the event.

"Dude, I have a 4.0 at Cannabis College"

If you’re like me, chances are you glanced at your calendar today and then did a double take, thinking, “It’s been December for a whole week? How the hell did that happen?” For every student, the pressure is on: finals are fast approaching, and we’ve all got about a million pages to read and two million more to write before we can reach the holy grail of winter break.

All that stress is enough to make a girl want to scream. But if you went to Med Grow Cannabis College, chances are that right about now, you’d be feeling a lot more mellow.

Yes, that’s right: Med Grow Cannabis College. As this article helpfully explains, at MGCC, “marijuana is the curriculum: the history, the horticulture and the legal how-to’s of Michigan’s new medical marijuana program.”

See, the Wolverines’ home state recently legalized medicinal pot, and now 24-year-old Nick Tennant has started a thriving business that teaches wannabe Nancy Botwins how to plant and nurture their very own strain of Mary Jane. Class time can also include a crash course in baking with weed (recipes include “crockpot cannabutter, chocolate canna-ganache and greenies (the cannabis alternative to brownies)”).

Okay, so MGCC isn’t really a school—it’s a six-week program that costs $485 to complete rather than a two- or four-year-long process that ends in a BA. But can you imagine what it would be like if Cannabis College was an actual institute of—if you’ll pardon the pun—higher learning?

Classes at CC might include “Watching Spongebob Squarepants 101,” “How Different Things Feel When You Touch Them,” and “Philosophy”—hey, some things don’t change. Their sports teams, the Fightin’ Stoners, would be supported by an adorable mascot called Jasper the Jumping Joint. The dining hall would stock nothing but Cheetos and those little powdered sugar donuts. Seth Rogen would be the graduation speaker at every single commencement. Instead of finals, CC would just end the semester with a big party that culminated in the entire student body hotboxing the library.

It all sounds kind of magical, at least until I start thinking about what CC attendees might be qualified to do after they graduate. None of the potential careers that come to mind—working at a Taco Bell drive-thru window, operating the bumper cars at a local amusement park, being a philosophy professor—sound particularly appealing to me.

I think that pot is a little bit like creative writing: something that’s fine to do recreationally, but not something you probably want to major in. So Michiganders, feel free to enroll in Cannabis College; I think I’ll stick with good, old-fashioned stress.

No, I’m not being peer pressured (my guy friends aren’t begging to give me their weed for free…they want it for themselves!); I’m just curious and I sorta want to see what all the fuss is about.

And, yes, I know it’s technically illegal, but we’ll just skip that part and look at it realistically, shall we? Since we’re normally all law-abiding, good college students who would never do anything wrong or illegal, obvi. (Like those 2.5 years in college where we were under 21….)

Love it
Or rather, my friends love it. They always tell me about how good they feel afterward, like “a balloon that has just been released to go float among the clouds.” (Yeah, he was already high. I didn’t really get it, either.) Some claim it even helps them work better, especially for creative writing papers and art class. It relieves stress, helps you sleep better, gives you confidence (for my shy guy friends to ask out girls), and just makes you happier in general.

I’ve also heard friends say it helps with headaches, toothaches, and even sex. Oh, and I’m told some movies (like Pineapple Express) are ten times better high than not (which might be why I didn’t like it that much). Medically speaking, it helps thousands of people relieve the pain they suffer from glaucoma and many other maladies, so it can’t be detrimental to your body, right? I mean, even Michael Phelps is doin’ it and he’s the best athlete in the world!

Loathe it
It’s illegal.

If you’re caught with it, you could be fined or go to jail or, worse, your parents could find out and you’ll be forever labeled “the girl who does drugs” at family reunions. It also makes your clothes smell, makes your wallet lighter, and makes you on the lookout for your hit next constantly. (Editor’s Note: Or your next bag of chips. Those munchies are brutal, girlfriend.) You could get addicted and keep spiraling down and do things you normally wouldn’t do, like stealing and cheating just to get high again.

Also, I live a pretty healthy lifestyle (except the occasional tailgate) and don’t want to do anything harmful to my body, especially something dangerous and illegal like weed. It reminds me too much of smoking, which I absolutely hate, and I can’t help but wonder deep down that it’s illegal for a reason. Just what is it doing to people’s insides?

When it comes down to it, there are so many other fun things to do with my friends than light up a joint and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my life so far without it, so why change? I would rather spend my money on those Alexander McQueen booties I saw at Fashion Week anyway. But I’m in college and college is about experimenting, so I’m completely torn.

Help?

As Slate’s Daniel Engber reports, a 2007 survey reveals that about 6 percent of Americans between 50 and 59 reported smoking pot in the past year. That means that more baby boomers than ever before are lighting up—and it’s fairly likely that our parents are among them.

Worried? I know I am. Sure, my mom and dad were teenagers in the ‘60s and ‘70s, when pot was as prevalent as ridiculous hairstyles, but it’s weird to think that they ever smoked in the first place—let alone that they might be doing it this very moment. And because I’m at school, I can’t keep tabs on them to make sure that our house is a toke-free zone.

But if any of the following things happen, I’ll know for sure that Mom and Dad are celebrating 4/20 a few months early. Without further ado: 6 Signs That Your Parents Might Be Stoners.

- When your mom and dad come to visit during Parent’s Weekend, all they want to do is sit around and watch Planet Earth in your dorm room.

- For Thanksgiving dinner this year, your mom gives nothing but one giant bag of Cool Ranch Doritos to every guest.

- Dad announces that he and Mom are taking a trip to Jamaica in early February to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday.

- They start subscribing to Showtime just so that they can get Weeds on demand.

- Your mom sends you a care package with a Tupperware container filled with brownies and a note warning you only to eat one at a time.

- It’s impossible to have a phone conversation with your dad—not because he keeps nagging you, but because he starts giggling hysterically every time you speak.

Any other signs we should look out for?

Turn your bed into a bong!

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pass it.

Well my favorite holiday is here. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas cookies; I love pumpkin pie; and I also love dressing up like a slutty Dorothy, cat, nurse, (insert random noun here); but there is nothing I love more than the 20th of April.

You may not usually celebrate this joyous occasion – I have actually only had the pleasure of celebrating it once – but one time was all it took to become an ardent supporter. In light of this, I thought I’d bestow some of my favorite stoned activities with you all so you have some options to spend  the best Monday of the year! So pull a Michael Phelps (read: hit the bong) and enjoy any of the following:

Watch Things
This is not only broad but also very obvious. And why is it obvious? Because it’s so much fun! There are so many enjoyable things to watch that are only more enjoyable under the influence. You could go with a funny movie like  Anchorman or Old School, or pop in an epic TV show like Summer Heights High, The Office, or, of course Planet Earth. You could also throw in a hilarious comedian routine -  Jim Gaffigan’s new one, King Baby, was responsible for me nearly peeing myself last week. Or, my personal favorite, just turn on the iTunes visualizer. Trippy!

Eat Stuff
Another very stereotypical example of a fun but often overlooked thing to do while high is eat. To maximize the fun of eating while being high, choose things that have very distinct tastes, flavors or sensations, like green apples and blueberries (cold). If fruit isn’t your thang (because who chooses something healthy when everything sounds so good), you can just build snacks out of your favorite ingredients. My friends and I usually end up with something  (rice cakes) smothered with peanut butter and chocolate chips. Yeah, it sounds weird right now, but get back to me after you take a few hits.

Delving even deeper into the unhealthy department would be Starburst, Skittles, and sherbet, which all happen to be very fun to eat while high. You may worry about getting fat from all the snackity snacking, but don’t be. You’ll burn all those calories laughing at your hand or the funny shapes of the clouds…on the ceiling.

Tune in
I love listening to music in any state, but rocking out while high is definitely one of my favorites. Just last week I was listening to Pink Floyd’s, Dark Side of the Moon, one of few classic rock bands I never fully understood and realized, “Wow, this is why everyone loved this stuff!” It was just so….awesome. Besides classic rock and that awkward genre of music labeled “chill,” electronic music sounds particularly phenomenal when high. Hell, everything will sound new, different and awesome when you are high, so pop in that Paris Hilton CD and rock out.

Go places
Sure, it’s tempting to lay around eating Tostitos when you’re high, but get up and go somewhere!  Even the most mundane activities take on a whole new level of fun when there is some cannabis in your system. Need some ideas? Here are some of my favorite de-stoned-ations: the beach, the woods, a park (or anything cool outdoors), anywhere in the sun, a bowling alley, a jungle gym, a concert, a diner (so much food!), the movies, the zoo, a museum, a long walk, or shopping (though I did end up buying some weird things at Target).

Other
Costumes, shadow puppets, prank phone calls and playing with iChat (if you are lucky enough to have a Mac) are also awesome.

Whatever fun things you plan on doing while you are high, be responsible. I know I am probably not a portrait of responsibility by any means but I have made a lot of mistakes and have learned from them. If you are consuming marijuana, don’t eat too much; it can be a very uncontrollable and terrifying experience. If you are high, don’t drive. Seriously, don’t do it. Not only is it dangerous, but you could really eff up your future if you are caught. Plus, it’s a lot easier to eat a peanut butter smothered rice cake when you’re not clutching a steering wheel. Finally, don’t get a haircut. Just trust me on this one.

Peace out, potheads, and have a great 4/20!

We seriously curbed our smoking habits after a pretty serious waffle binge a few years back, but we let loose – munchies and all – once a year. And that day is comin’.

We’ve already started stocking up the CollegeCandy fridge with all of our favorites: Cheez-its, tater tots, Boboli, Double Stuf Oreos, peanut butter M&Ms, etc… Now all we need is some good ole’ hashish; good thing they deliver that sort of thing in NY.

People seem to be pretty particular about their munchies. Some like it salty and others like it sweet. Some like a little crunch, while others prefer things that don’t require chewing. We are very intrigued by this (probably because we are high right now), so this week we asked the CollegeCandy writers what they prefer to chow down on after hitting the bong/bowl/brownie.

What do you crave?

Laura – St. Johns: Anything with peanut butter… Mmm.

Brithny – Duke: POCKY!!! Although I was born on Pocky Day, so I’m a little biased :]

Sarabeth – University of Texas: Don’t judge, but it’s Frito chips with a little cream cheese. nom nom

Thu – USC: Hot brownie + ice cream = HEAVEN

Kari – FSU: 3-d Doritos….sadly they don’t make them anymore.

Kathryn S.: Chips and salsa all the way, baby!

S.E. – Fordham: My favorite munchie would definitely be chicken rolls at the local pizza place by campus. Every time I’m drunk/high I crave one of them.

Caitlin – University of Alabama: Chinese food and brownies mmm

Kiki – University of Missouri: I eat disturbingly large quantities of Special K Red Berries cereal straight from the box, no milk necessary.

Sara C – Fordham: Haagen Das chocolate sorbet. I convince myself that it’s healthier because it’s sorbet. Or, anything with peanut butter!

Donnette – Manhattanville College: Cheetos, Cheez-its, trail mix, Reese’s (in all forms). Pretty much anything with dried fruits, peanuts, cheez, and/or chocolate.

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: Applesauce – no lie.  The texture just does it for me!

Lauren – University of Michigan: Um. Anything? Seriously, if I can get my mouth on it, I want it. (Wait…that came out wrong.)

Charlsie – Hollins: Anything sweet. I am obsessed with candy as a meal option; I usually eat it for lunch.

Leah – Ryerson: Cheetos, cupcakes and nachos… just not at the same time.

Ashley Elizabeth – CU Boulder: Graham crackers and peanut butter M&Ms

Cristina – Michigan State: My favorite munchies would have to be…actual Munchies. Doritos, Cheetos, Sun chips, Pretzels. Heaveennnnnn.

Erica – Kent State: I love those little cheese cubes.  Or hint-of-lime tortilla chips with mango (or peach) salsa. Mmm!

Carly – Grinnell: Mmmmm. This coffee shop near my house makes these amazing cookie bars called “wilderness bars.” They have raisins, nuts, sesame seeds, chocolate chips… ahhh, they’re so good.

K – GWU: If still cognizant of my health, blueberries or green apples are so tart and good, but is anything better than being stoned with a bowl of cereal? Chocolate Special K and Lucky Charms come to mind

Liza M – Minnesota: Cheesy breadsticks WITH blue cheese. OMG.

Kelly – Simmons University: French bread and gouda cheese

Jess T – Columbia University: Chewy candy (Laffy Taffy, sour belts, Now & Later, etc.). Great, now I’m hungry.