Throughout the day, students gather on the steps outside the Schmitt Academic Center to have a smoke. While some only use cigarettes or nicotine vapes, others turn to cannabis for their daily smoke break instead. 

Often referred to as the “smoker steps,” this location is a place of solace for students and the occasional professor. Although not every individual who frequents the steps participates in cannabis use, most are open to talking about it and don’t seem to mind its presence, even if federal law prohibits pot on any college campus.

“It’s not a big deal to me,” sophomore Rory Sullivan said as she sat on the steps. “At the end of the day, they’re going to do whatever they want.” 

As a psychology major, Sullivan has her own reservations about the long-term effects of cannabis use, but having it on campus doesn’t bother her. However, not all students agree.

Steven Chang, a senior majoring in economics, said he finds the presence of weed “distracting.” He thinks cannabis can be disruptive for those who struggle with mental health, though he acknowledged that marijuana can have some medicinal benefits. Chang suggested that a stricter approach to its presence could be taken, especially on the Lincoln Park campus.

“Being a legal state, there is not a whole lot the school can do. It would be nice, though,” said Chang.

DePaul must comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, which prohibits both medicinal and recreational cannabis on school property. Even so, weed is still vastly present on campus.

According to a statement from University Communications, DePaul employs both Public Safety officers and contract security for support on campus, however, neither group holds the authority to arrest any individual. “The university contacts CPD as necessary to address threats to the safety of our campus and community,” they said. 

University Communications said reports of cannabis use on campus are referred to the Dean of Students, Housing and Residence Life, or the Office of Human Resources for further investigation of potential policy violations depending on the case. 

“Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus,” they added. 

Bob Sriram, a senior political science major, emphasized that while DePaul is notable for being a Catholic institution, it is also known for its progressive foundation. 

“It doesn’t matter on the policy. It matters on the culture,” Sriram said.

Sriram also shared a neutral stance on the presence of cannabis. However, while newer research has found that pot can worsen depression and other mental health struggles, he believes cannabis could help some students regulate their emotions in difficult times. Ultimately, he said, the decision is at the individual’s discretion, whether the impacts are good or harmful.

“Broadly speaking … I don’t think it should be illegal,” Sriram said. 

Many who frequent the smoker steps, including junior Julia Valderrama, said they don’t feel uncomfortable being around people who smoke pot. Valderrama hangs out at the steps to smoke cigarettes but sees others smoking weed. 

“It doesn’t really affect me,” she said. “We live in peace.”

Valderrama, an English major, agrees that a specific place for individuals to smoke is a thoughtful approach. She says that the steps have become a “pseudo-designated area” with 20 to 30 people often there at one time. Students fill the air with smoke and chatter, conversing over their classes or personal lives. 

Valderrama said the steps also provide a chance to meet new people. “It’s a community thing,” she said, adding that even nonsmokers are welcome.

“The steps are very much alive.”

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