Dew Mirihana
I have a confession to make: I don’t smoke. Not regularly, at least. I know, I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes, I still write for the Green Eugene! I’m typically a non-smoker, sticking to my routine the other 364 days of the year. But, yes, sometimes at parties, if a joint is passed around, I might join in; but for the most part, I sit it out, nodding and laughing with the group. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a regular smoker to be part of cannabis culture, especially here in Eugene, a place where weed is more than just a product, it’s becoming part of everyday life.
Cannabis culture has come a long way, and while there’s still much work to be done in terms of policy reform before true justice is realized, the community that surrounds weed has gone mainstream, and the conversations have followed suit. More than the influx of dispensaries in town or CBD lotions on every shelf, cannabis is woven into the fabric of how we express ourselves – through art, music, and business. The medical world is beginning to acknowledge what many communities have known for decades: cannabis can relieve both physical and psychological symptoms. Meanwhile, our legal infrastructure is slowly catching up, and young people – particularly Gen Z – are leading the charge in shaping conversations about justice, legality, and racial inequities that are inextricably connected to cannabis culture.
And while smoking is still a classic way to partake, I’ve noticed that being part of the community doesn’t necessarily mean lighting up. It has become something much more expansive and inclusive. I believe that there’s something fundamentally communal about cannabis. It’s about gathering, some for the effects and some for the atmosphere and conversation. In recent years, the conversation has extended much farther beyond the average smoker. More and more, non-smokers are finding their places in this community. Whether it’s supporting local cannabis-related businesses or shaping the societal dialogue surrounding it, the role of non-smokers has become more important than ever.
For example, when American track and field athlete Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from competing in the 2021 Olympics, after publicly acknowledging using cannabis in the wake of her mother’s passing, it reignited the conversation about recreational marijuana use. Richardson qualified for the Olympics here in Eugene and claimed to have used the drug in the state of Oregon, where recreational marijuana use is legal. However, the thing that made this moment so significant wasn’t simply the controversy around her disqualification; it was the way it brought Gen Z into the broader cannabis conversation. Young people took to social media to express their disagreement with Richardsons’ disqualification, with one user posting to X, “If the Olympics think marijuana is a performance enhancing drug then a cup of coffee is a Schedule 2 narcotic” Furthermore, in a demonstration of solidarity, users across multiple social media platforms started using the hashtag #LetShacarriRun to express their disapproval of her suspension and call for it to be overturned. The hashtag continued to gain momentum online and it eventually spurred the creation of the petition, “Let Sha’Carri Run,” by progressive lobbying group MoveOn Civic Action, which garnered nearly 600,000 signatures. The petition called on the U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to reinstate Richardson’s competition eligibility. Kristen Leah Sussman, a doctoral student at the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations at The University of Texas at Austin weighs in on this, “while Richardson’s suspension was, ultimately, not overturned, this public reaction has the potential to prompt anti-doping policy changes.”
The media outrage caught the attention of multiple elected officials, including Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus, former representative Barbara Lee from California’s 12th district, and our very own Earl Blumenauer from Oregon’s 3rd. They spearheaded the writing of a letter addressed to the Anti-Doping Agency, condemning Richardson’s suspension and requesting that marijuana be removed from the list of banned substances. Sixteen other members of Congress signed onto this letter. The USADA responded to express their agreement in the outdated and harmful rules; however, they could not change the rules alone. The USADA must follow the code set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), although they have been diligent about recommending the changing of regulations surrounding marijuana during the annual review of the WADA Prohibited List, as well as continued advocacy for research funding regarding potential performance-enhancing effects and technology to better assess the time of marijuana use. “Simply put, USADA will continue to be very active in its efforts to change how marijuana is addressed under the WADA Code and Prohibited List.”
The example of Sha’Carri Richardson’s disqualification and the online and in-person conversations that followed highlighted the power of advocacy and collective action, even when the change we’d like to see doesn’t come right away. Contacting representatives, sharing opinions, signing petitions, and organizing online can spark important conversations toward progress. What stands out to me is how both cannabis users and non-users came together to challenge the conflicting and unfair policies surrounding marijuana in competition. Real change demands our united efforts, and while systemic reform can take years or even decades, the strength of our collective voice and persistence does matter. Her story illustrates how non-smokers, particularly those who care about broader issues like social justice, can be vital to cannabis advocacy. These conversations are for everyone who demands fairness, justice, and the widespread changing of outdated and harmful perceptions.
At times, we may feel like one small voice shouting into the void that is social media, but prominent companies and lobbying groups are taking notice. I bet you’ve heard of a little company called “Ben and Jerry,” whose website proudly states, “We love making ice cream – but using our business to make the world a better place gives our work its meaning.” To them, this means demanding our governors to redress the harsh punishments and overcriminalization of marijuana that are harming people to this day, even in states where it is legal. It’s more than a well-known brand championing this social cause; in 2023, co-founder Ben Cohen started a non-profit cannabis company with a “mission of helping to right the wrongs of the war on drugs.” With over 75% of its profits going to grants for Black cannabis entrepreneurs, the rest is split between the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and the National Last Prisoner Project, initiatives working toward the ending of incarceration for people imprisoned for cannabis offenses. Ben and Jerry’s believe in making 4/20 a day for everyone to celebrate, which is possible if we each use our voices. You can send a pre-written letter in support to your governor on Ben and Jerry’s website, which I think is pretty sweet.
At home in Eugene, a town where dispensaries are nearly as common as coffee shops, non-smokers have the opportunity to connect with cannabis culture in multiple ways. At Electric Lettuce, customers can purchase local art prints, cannabis-themed and not, with some of the proceeds going to a charity of the artist’s choice. At Spacebuds, folks can check out the business’s podcast, “Weighing In,” where employees contribute their reviews of movies, video games, and TV shows. And if you’re looking for something extra special, SugarBud dispensary has been going on a “recreational Cannabis quest based on five tenets: music, art, love, integrity, and community.” Originally located in Portland, SugarBud hosts mini-concerts and musicians at their small garden location, with the belief that music affects each living thing in a profound way, including the plants. This series has been dubbed “Serenaded Buds” and has been an ongoing tradition since co-founder Jarrod first started drumming in the garden years ago. Now, the company hosts musicians regularly for a little extra bud boost.” SugarBud has done an exemplary job at marrying cannabis culture with the most special aspects of the community. In Eugene, that vision manifests itself as a social hub, filled with merch, artistic creations, a lounge space, an impressive calendar of public events, and home to the Willamette Artisan Pizza food truck. Co-founder, Anna, says of the project, “we’re finding those networks of people that have found Cannabis as an elevator and a motivator,” and I couldn’t have said it better myself!
As someone who doesn’t smoke, but still wants to immerse myself in the pockets of culture in my city, I can still support these businesses, consume this content, and attend these events. Creativity, advocacy, and connection are meant to be accessible to everyone, and I believe that is just as important. So, what does it actually mean to be a non-smoker in a place like Eugene? Well, it means you’ll be the designated “joint passer,” of course! In all seriousness, I believe that it means joining a larger conversation. It’s about embracing the shift from cannabis being just a product you don’t relate to, to something deeper. I spoke with Emma, a student at the UO, to get her perspective on cannabis culture as a non-smoker. She shared that her decision not to use marijuana is a personal preference as it tends to trigger anxiety; however, her choice doesn’t make her feel excluded from the broader culture here. She said that the mainstreaming of weed in Eugene makes it easier for people like herself to engage, “It’s very similar to friend groups who have friends that don’t drink but still go out with them,” she said. “You can mimic that without taking the substance, you don’t have to take a hit to fit in and have fun.”
When I asked Emma about the social justice issues tied to cannabis, she pointed out the unique role non-smokers can play in these conversations. “Non-smoker voices can be powerful when advocating for these issues,” she explained. “The unfortunate part about it is… older generations tend to disregard people they’ve deemed ‘potheads,’ but when a non-smoker says ‘this isn’t right,’ they start to listen more.” Emma believes that as cannabis use becomes more normalized, it will be more accepted across all parts of society. The more people talk openly about it, the fewer biases and misjudgments will linger. I was curious about her thoughts on the way non-users perceive cannabis culture, and Emma emphasized that misconceptions about smokers being ‘lazy’ or ‘incompetent’ are still pervasive in our society, but inaccurate. “There are a lot of smart, hardworking people who smoke weed, and the stereotype isn’t true,” she said.
Talking to Emma, it was clear to me that her perspective aligns with the growing movement of non-smokers who see the implications of outdated and often discriminatory cannabis policy, and she believes that as more people recognize the disproportionate effects of these laws have on marginalized communities, it will become harder for lawmakers to ignore the need for reform.“Whether it’s calling your representatives, signing petitions, or showing up at rallies, we all have a role to play in pushing for legalization at the federal level.” She made it clear to me that we are all a lot more similar than we are different, and her approach to this topic highlighted the value of advocacy not being limited to being directly involved with the issue. “I don’t think there’s anything that non-smokers can’t do that smokers can because we all have the same power as citizens,” she commented.
You don’t need to partake to understand that cannabis is becoming a force for wellness, community, and personal expression, and I believe that speaks to more than just cannabis. We should all feel empowered to care about things we might not understand. Empathy is one of our most powerful tools when it comes to justice.
At the end of the day, it’s not about whether or not you smoke; it’s about what you bring to the table, your perspective, your ideas, and your willingness to engage. Whether you’re enjoying a live show at SugarTops Hybrid Gallery, picking up some local art at Electric Lettuce, listening to SpaceBuds’ “Weighing In” podcast, or advocating for the ending of discriminatory and archaic legislation, there’s a place for you here! Cannabis culture is more than just the act of smoking; it’s about the connections, the community, and the conversations we’re having together. And hey, if you’re not puffing, you might as well be passing with a purpose!