Students Increasingly Consider Ron Paul Thanks to Marijauana

According to Forbes magazine, there are six reasons why young American voters are drawn to the oldest man vying for the Republican nomination – Ron Paul.

1. He is a rebel.

2. He is unusual.

3. He is not going to win.

4. He doesn't care if he wins.

5. He addresses youth issues.

6. He's online.

However, the magazine's online article left out one of the more taboo reasons why Ron Paul is associated with the youth vote, which is his stance on the legalization of marijuana. Recent studies show that the use of cannabis among college age voters is on the rise while cigarette and alcohol use is declining.

The same is true in the eyes of some students at Howard. Russell Grandberry, a sophomore political science major, is a Ron Paul fan, but not necessarily a supporter. 

Grandberry says students have an affinity for the presidential hopeful because of the rebellious factor he shares with the herb. People like to rebel, even if it is in the silence of their own room, he added.

He says marijuana is popular among students because it serves as a low-stress escape. 

 "Students like weed because there are less dramatic side effects," Grandberry said.  "It offers an escape but the ability to function if necessary. There are also far fewer long term health risks." 

However, Ron Paul is a hard sell for some voters on Howard's campus for a number of reasons:  past comments in regards to renouncing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, his stance on domestic spending cuts, and racist news letters. 

"While I agree with a lot of Ron Paul's policies specifically concerning foreign policy," said Nicholas Owen, former HUSA president and graduate student, "I can't support his stance on civil rights legislation."

While marijuana might be a factor in what the Howard voter is looking for in whichever candidate they choose, it is quite obviously not the most important issue on the table this election cycle.

The economy is on the mind of the entire nation and the youth have a lot at stake in what is shaping to be an uncertain future. The ability of a president to navigate our country through the coming fiscal years is high on the priority list of many.

"I need a president who can get me a job. That's it. I don't need any missiles or tax cuts. I just need to know that if I educate myself my country will have a job for me," says Lawrence Bocco,a sophomore psychology major.

With three different winners of three different preliminary bouts, the republican primary season is sure to be a long hard journey for who ever emerges as the nominee. Florida is the next stop on the trail.