The Union Plaza was transformed into a scene from the 1993 movie “Dazed and Confused” when Hempfest came to town.
A mixture of hemp clothing, jewelry and food were available to students and visitors alike Tuesday at the annual event, which showcases the famous herb. The U’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy hosted the event, which lasted from noon until exactly 4:20 p.m., a number that holds special importance in the herbal-use community.
“I’m happy we’re not BYU,” said Mattie Brandon, an undeclared sophomore. “This event never would have happened there.”
The goal of the event and SSDP is to “bring students from every major together to help gain a consistent, coherent and comprehensive view on drugs in society,” said Valerie Douroux, the club’s president. The club, which meets monthly, in addition to hosting speakers and film series, has 90 members at the U. The group is working actively to endorse the “Good Samaritan Policy”8212;which is catching on campuses nationwide8212;that would grant amnesty from drug possession charges if students call for medical help during an emergency related to alcohol or other drugs, according to the national SSDP organization located in Washington, D.C.
Douroux was enthusiastic that the event would help to promote the policy, among other drug-related policies. She said she believes the “Good Samaritan Policy” would help because it does not create a legal barricade for students in trouble from seeking help in an emergency.
Lennie MahlerJaecey Adams dances with seven hula hoops at Hempfest on Tuesday at the Union Plaza. Hempfest was held to gather students together in hopes to gain a comprehensive view on society.