Katie Samek-

The Peer Assistants and the Chemical Health Committee are excited to announce Cannabis Awareness Week, an entire week of activities leading up to April 20 (4/20) as part of a campus-wide initiative to promote & affirm healthy choices surrounding cannabis use.

“We are neither condoning nor condemning cannabis use,” said Peer Assistant and Chemical Health Committee member Lauren Williams ‘24. “It’s not our place to tell students what they can and can’t do. Rather, we seek to educate students in methods of harm reduction so that those who choose to use cannabis products can do so safely. However, Gustavus Adolphus College is a federally-funded college, and it follows federal drug laws. At the federal level, all marijuana remains illegal, and as such, cannabis use on campus is strictly prohibited.”

Monday, April 15, will be host to an Instagram giveaway run by the Peer Assistants. Keep an eye on the Peer Assistants Instagram account @gac_peer_assistants for more details, including how to enter and some of the prizes that can be won.

Tuesday, April 16 is Scavenger Hunt day, which will run all day in the Jackson Campus Center. More details are forthcoming, so look for an email next week from the PAs with more details.

Wednesday, April 17 is the Get Stoned! Rock Painting with the PAs event, held from 4:30 – 6:00 PM outside in the Courtyard behind the Jackson Campus Center. Students are invited to come paint some rocks with the Peer Assistants and learn about harm reduction strategies surrounding cannabis. A munchies-themed snack bar will be provided, featuring brownies, Funyuns, and much more. In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved inside to The Dive, located in the CIE downstairs in the Jackson Campus Center.

“This event is the capstone of our week, rather than a Friday event,” said Peer Assistant and Chemical Health Committee member Taylor Pfeiffer ‘24. “If students want to participate in any of our events during this week, this is the one we recommend.”

Thursday, April 18, is the RHA Pot Painting Party from 5-7 PM, also held outside in the Courtyard. Join the Residential Hall Assistants for a fun night of painting flowerpots and learning more about cannabis use policies on and around campus.

Friday, April 19, is Free Munchies & Brownies day. Look for the PA booth in the GustieWELL office downstairs in the Jackson Campus Center from 11 AM – 1 PM to pick up some free snacks and learn more about safe and healthy cannabis use strategies.

“We want to remind students that we are NOT giving out weed or cannabis products at any of these events,” said Peer Assistant and Chemical Health Committee member Kendra Stanton ‘26. “We’ve already had students asking about it, and while the Peer Assistants neither condone nor condemn cannabis usage among the student body, Gustavus follows federal policy, and under federal policy, cannabis is illegal to sell, possess, or use while on-campus.”

The Peer Assistants are a council of student leaders affiliated with the GustieWELL Office, dedicated to promoting a culture of well-being by providing quality wellness education and resources that support and enhance the lifestyles of Gustavus students. The PAs can be further split into five distinct areas of focus, each with their own committee: Chemical Health, Mental Health & Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Sleep, and Nutrition & Movement. Along with their monthly issues of Once Upon a Potty, the PAs are in charge of various programs intended to help students with their life on campus, including Thrive in Five for freshmen, Sophomore Stride, and Project 21.

“The Peer Assistants strive to keep Gustavus students holistically well through peer influence, rather than through the use of authority figures,” said Williams. “We give students the resources and connections necessary to deal with similar situations later in life.”

The GustieWELL Office itself offers a variety of in-person support ranging from professional staff, trained and certified peer educators (Peer Assistants), and student employees. Services offered include wellness education resources, confidential support for substance abuse, chemical health assessments, free safer sex supplies, wellness coaching, and PA office hours for walk-in student support.

While the application process has officially closed for students to become a Peer Assistant for the 2024-25 school year, interested students can learn more about becoming a PA by attending events hosted by them, including things like Walktober, the 100 Hour Challenge, and of course – any of the events during Cannabis Awareness Week.

“This is a new event on campus, and while it shares a lot in common with the 100 Hour Challenge that we hosted in February, our emphasis is on harm reduction education for safe use rather than promoting outright abstinence,” said Stanton. “If all goes well and we get a high student turnout, we might be able to plan bigger for future years and expand our range of events.”